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Northern red or Shumard oak?

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Posted by acer 6b western NC (My Page) on
Mon, Jul 9, 12 at 20:56

I was deciding which was the best shade tree for a hot, sunny field in zone 7 (NC foothills), when my husband found a great deal on a Shumard oak. I didn't know much about it and had been leaning toward a Northern red oak. The tree is now planted, and I'm happy with it. However, it's a big field and I might plant another. How does the Shumard compare to the Northern red? I'm mainly interested in the branching habit, as I want a broad crown for lots of shade. The internet gives all kinds of standard descriptions, but I'd love the hear from someone with firsthand experience. By the way, the soil is nice and loamy, and the planting site is about 80 feet from a riverbank and up on a rise.

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RE: Northern red or Shumard oak?

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  • Posted by acer 6b western NC (My Page) on
    Tue, Jul 10, 12 at 11:51

Growth rate isn't so important, because I know that a quality tree takes lots of time and I won't be the one who gets the most enjoyment from it. But the two seem to be pretty comparable according to what I've read. I do like the leaf shape of the Northern red...

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RE: Northern red or Shumard oak?

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OP probably chose already, I would plant both, but if I like one better the Shumard has better form IMO. When they age and mature, maybe the NRO spreads out wider. I have all teenage oaks except for a couple Pin oaks that are getting impressive faster.

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