Serving the Kansas City Metro for over 25 Years
913-585-5851 [email protected]
Get Quote
Serving the Kansas City Metro for over 25 Years 913-585-5851 [email protected]
Bold Outdoors
Get Quote
← Back to Plant Database Public Plant Profile

Northern Red Oak

Quercus rubra

Category: Deciduous Tree • Oak

Northern Red Oak is a majestic tree known for its stunning fall color and strong wood, perfect for shade and specimen planting.

Request ConsultationBrowse All Plants
Mature Height: 50-75 feet
Mature Width: 45 feet
Light: Sun
Zone: Zones 3-8
Maintenance: Moderate
Growth Rate: Moderate
Season of Interest: Multi-season
Foliage: Deciduous

Community Photos

Upload some of your best photos for this plant by clicking below.

Some images in our plant database may be AI-generated or enhanced for visualization purposes.

Bold Outdoors Verified Insight

Designed & Reviewed by

Josh Graber

Owner and Landscape Designer · Kansas State University · 25+ Years Experience

B.S. in Horticulture and Landscape Design – Kansas State University

25+ years of industry experience

Description

The Northern Red Oak is a large deciduous tree known for its impressive height and broad canopy. It features dark green leaves that turn vibrant red in the fall, making it a popular choice for landscaping and timber.

Ideal Conditions

Thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. It grows best in slightly acidic conditions.

Soil Preferences

Requires well-drained soil with good moisture retention. Prefers slightly acidic pH and adapts to various soil types.

Sun Needs

Sun

Landscape Guidance

Landscape Use

specimenshade tree

Special Features

Attractive fall foliagestrong wood

Wildlife Value

Provides habitat and food for various wildlife.

Resistance / Tolerance

Drought tolerant once established

Notes from Our Designer

Ideal for large spaces due to its size. Provides excellent shade and wildlife habitat.

Maintenance Notes

Moderate

Complementary Plants

Plants That Pair Well in the Landscape

Selected using botanical relationships, growing conditions, color harmony, size, texture, season, and landscape use.

What Clients Say

★★★★★

“I have had great experiences with Bold Outdoors. Josh designed our home's landscaping and has been a valued partner for the past 7 years as we have added to and maintained our home's landscaping.”

Bill C.

★★★★★

“Bold Outdoors has provided the highest quality professional landscape design, installation and after installation services at my residence.”

Brad S.

Helpful Next Steps

Browse All PlantsSee Design ServicesRequest a Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Northern Red Oak a good fit for Kansas City landscapes?

That depends on sun exposure, moisture, spacing, and how the plant will be used in the overall design.

How should homeowners use this plant information?

Use the plant profile as a planning tool for size, conditions, and visual role, then connect it to the broader landscape design plan.

Ready when you are

Plan your next outdoor project with Bold Outdoors.

Request a consultation and start shaping a landscape plan that fits your home, goals, and season.

Request Consultation