What you will see
Leaves turn yellow between green veins, especially on alkaline (insufficiently acidic) soils.
How to protect
- Prevention
- Plant in more acidic soil.
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Tree · Fagaceae family
Northern red oak
Quercus rubra
Full sun in a garden ~22 ft 11⅝ in × ~16 ft 4⅞ in to −93 °F
In short a 10-second read
SunFull sun
in a garden after 10 years~22 ft 11⅝ in
in the wild up to 82 ft
spacing 49.2 ft
in the wild up to 82 ft
spacing 49.2 ft
PlantingMarch–April, October–November
WinterNo winter protection
Where to plant and how much to water
Sun, soil and water.
It grows best in full sun, in average soil.
Sun
Sun6 hours or more
Part shade3–6 hours
Shadeunder 3 h
Soil
acidic to neutral soil
acidicneutralalkaline
Watering
Frost
−93 °F
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (69 in).
65.6 ft–82 ft× spread 49.2 ft–65.6 ft
Plant 49.2 ft apart.
The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
Through the year.
Typical for a temperate climate (four seasons). The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
PlantingFeeding
Now, in October: a good time for planting (container plant, bare-root, root-balled).
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Planting
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
container plant: March–April, October–November; bare-root: March–April, October–November; root-balled: March–April, October–November
Feeding
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
May–June
Feeding
Nutrition.
Horn meal
up to 0.18 oz/sq ft a year, if the soil needs it · May–June
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Most often lacking: iron → leaves yellow between green veins
Pests and diseases
Common problems and what to do.
The most common problems in Central Europe. Protection is listed from the gentlest option.
Chlorosisphysiological disorder
What you will see
Leaves turn yellow between green veins, especially on alkaline (insufficiently acidic) soils.
How to protect
- Prevention
- Plant in more acidic soil.
Oak anthracnose
What you will see
Brown spots and curled leaf edges, often along the veins.
How to protect
- Prevention
- In spring, feed and water in dry spells.
- By hand fallRake up and remove fallen leaves.
Oak anthracnosedisease
What you will see
Brown spots and curled leaf edges, often along the veins.
How to protect
- Prevention
- In spring, feed and water in dry spells.
- By hand fallRake up and remove fallen leaves.
Oak leaf blister
Taphrina caerulescens
What you will see
Raised whitish to light green blisters on newly unfolding leaves, later turning brown.
How to protect
Chemical sprays are usually not necessary; water in dry spells, feed in spring. (spring)
Oak leaf blisterdisease
What you will see
Raised whitish to light green blisters on newly unfolding leaves, later turning brown.
How to protect
Chemical sprays are usually not necessary; water in dry spells, feed in spring. (spring)
What you will see
Caterpillars eat leaves, mainly at night; on oak they can completely defoliate trees.
When to look
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
May–JuneHow to protect
- Prevention
- Leave caterpillars killed by the fungus Entomophaga maimaiga hanging on the tree – they spread spores.
- Biological May–JuneA product based on Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki against young caterpillars (~¼ in).
- Chemical — only when nothing else helpsA product authorized in your country against spongy moth (as per the label; only if the other steps are not enough).
Gypsy mothpest · May–June
What you will see
Caterpillars eat leaves, mainly at night; on oak they can completely defoliate trees.
When to look
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
May–JuneHow to protect
- Prevention
- Leave caterpillars killed by the fungus Entomophaga maimaiga hanging on the tree – they spread spores.
- Biological May–JuneA product based on Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki against young caterpillars (~¼ in).
- Chemical — only when nothing else helpsA product authorized in your country against spongy moth (as per the label; only if the other steps are not enough).
Sources (2)
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
Does northern red oak tolerate shade?
No, it needs full sun.
How much space does northern red oak need?
At maturity 49.2 ft–65.6 ft wide and 65.6 ft–82 ft tall; recommended spacing 49.2 ft.
Chlorosis — what can you do?
Plant in more acidic soil.
Oak anthracnose — what can you do?
In spring, feed and water in dry spells. Rake up and remove fallen leaves.
Sources (15) Checked 24 October 2026
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