The majestic English oak tree (Quercus robur) is a highly desirable landscape tree for properties across the United States. This iconic oak species is prized for its natural beauty, wildlife benefits and deep cultural significance. If you’re hoping to get your hands on an English oak for your own landscape, you’ll be pleased to know that they are readily available from a number of reputable online nurseries and garden centers. In this article, we’ll look at some of the best places to find English oak trees for sale.
A Bit About the English Oak
Before jumping into where to buy English oak trees, let’s briefly go over what makes this species so special. The English oak is a large, deciduous oak tree that is native to Europe, parts of North Africa, and Western Asia. It’s an extremely hardy tree that can tolerate cold winters and periods of drought.
Mature English oak trees typically reach 40-70 feet in height with an equal spread. Their branching structure tends to be broad and open. The leaves are dark green and lobed. While the fall color is muted the foliage takes on lovely golden and russet hues before dropping in autumn.
A notable feature of the English oak is its rugged, fissured bark. The bark has an attractive grayish-brown coloration with deep grooves and ridges that develop with age.
As they mature, English oaks produce acorns that are loved by squirrels, deer, turkeys, jays, and other wildlife. These majestic trees also provide excellent shade and make striking specimen trees.
It’s no wonder English oak trees are coveted by landscapers and homeowners who appreciate their resilience, character, wildlife value, and ornamental qualities. If you’re ready to plant one in your own yard, here’s where to find them for sale.
Buy English Oak Trees Online
Purchasing trees online has become popular thanks to the convenience, selection availability and often lower prices compared to local garden centers. Here are some recommended online stores for buying English oak trees
Cold Stream Farm
Cold Stream Farm is a family-owned nursery in Michigan offering English oak bare root trees and transplants. Their prices are very reasonable, starting at just $10.55 for a 1-3′ bare root seedling. Larger sizes up to 5-6′ tall are available.
They have an excellent selection of other bare root trees as well, so you can stock up on various species when ordering. Cold Stream Farm has been growing and shipping trees for over 60 years, so rest assured your English oak will arrive healthy.
Great Plains Nursery
For a container-grown English oak, check out Great Plains Nursery based in Nebraska. They offer the English oak as a 1 gallon potted tree for $40.00. Larger sizes are also available for local pickup.
Great Plains Nursery specializes in native Midwest trees and shrubs. Beyond their quality container trees, they also sell bare root stock for windbreaks, wildlife habitat, and conservation purposes.
The Tree Center
The Tree Center delivers English oaks nationwide and provides a satisfaction guarantee. Their English oak trees range from 4-7 feet tall and are priced affordably between $54-110.
They have an excellent selection of oak trees along with many other shade trees, flowering trees, fruit trees, shrubs, and more. The Tree Center contracts with growers across the country to make shopping for trees online easy and reliable.
Buy from Local Nurseries
Beyond online shopping, visiting local nurseries and garden centers is a great way to select the perfect English oak for your landscape. Here are some tips for finding English oaks locally:
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Ask at your favorite nursery if they stock or can order English oak trees. Many may have or be willing to source English oaks if they don’t normally carry them.
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Search for wholesale growers or nurseries in your state that specialize in trees. These businesses cater more to landscapers but may allow homeowners to shop as well.
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Look for ads for English oak trees on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and community bulletin boards. Homeowners sometimes sell off extra trees from their property.
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Time your purchase in early spring when most nurseries have their full inventory in stock including more unusual or specialty trees like English oaks.
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Be flexible on size – larger English oaks may be hard to come by locally, so consider purchasing a smaller tree you can watch grow over time.
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Inspect trees carefully for good form and healthy roots before purchasing. Ask about sourcing and care when buying from smaller independent nurseries.
English Oaks Can Thrive in Many Soils and Climates
While English oak trees come from Europe, they have proven to be highly adaptable to a wide range of climates and soils here in the United States. They can tolerate cold winters, periods of summer drought, high winds, and various soil textures from clay to sand. Their adaptability and toughness are part of the appeal.
Before purchasing your English oak, make sure to research how the species performs in your specific growing zone and soil environment. With minimal care, the oak should flourish. Proper siting, planting, and occasional pruning or supplemental water during establishment will help the tree thrive.
Add Majestic English Oaks to Your Landscape
For homeowners seeking beautiful, hardy shade trees with timeless appeal, the English oak is a top choice. Fortunately, purchasing English oak trees for your own property is straightforward thanks to the many reputable online and local sources.
With minimal care, these iconic oaks will provide decades of enjoyment as a focal point or specimen tree in landscapes across the country. Their striking form, resilient nature, wildlife benefits, and rich history make English oaks a tree worth investing in.
Quercus Robur Super Size – the English Oak – Irish Tree Centre Review
FAQ
How fast do English oak trees grow?
Is English oak valuable?
What is the difference between oak and English oak?
How rare is English oak?
Where can I buy English Oak trees?
English Oak trees can be bought from Cold Stream Farm. They are supplied as bare root seedlings and transplants and can be purchased both wholesale and retail with no minimum order. Cold Stream Farm is the source for your English Oak trees. Additional information on Quercus robur can be found on the USDA / NRCS PLANTS Database.
What is an English oak tree?
It is the English oak leaf that is used within logo of the Woodland Trust. 20 – 40 metres, but can be controlled by pruning. English oak trees grow an estimated 50cm each year. These trees are cell-grown saplings, ranging from approximately 15cm-60cm in height.
What is a columnar English oak tree?
A columnar English Oak tree is an extremely tall and narrow tree with a dense branching habit. It is very popular for its ornamental value and is often planted as a single tree or in small groups. It is also very useful for forming a fast growing privacy hedge when planted in a line with 8-10 foot spacing between trees.
Why should you buy English oak trees?
Attract all manner of wildlife with this colourful species. Buy English oak trees, ideal for gardens and giving year-round interest. 100% sourced and grown in the UK so we can trace the origin of every tree.