Shumard oak Pros and Cons

The native of eastern Kansas is Quercus shumardii, or Shumard Oak, and is a member of the red oak group. It normally grows along the bottom of the river and next to creeks and streams on rocky hillsides. It appears to tolerate medium to poor soils quite well; however, it has become common in urban environments. It is more resistant of clay soils and has proved its resilience in Kansas than northern red oak. It is a fast grower in its native environment and can hit heaths of 60-80 feet or more with a spread of about 50 feet. It is very similar to the northern red oak in shape. Shumard oak is much more resistant of marginal sites and must be used if it is unclear whether or not northern red oak can withstand the location, whereas northern red oak is very 'choosy' as to where it grows.

The leaves are 6 - 8 inches long, plain, alternate, and 4 - 6 inches wide. It is very similar in form to the northern red oak. When young, the bark is reddish-tan and becomes greyer as it grows. The acorns are rather round and approximately 1 inch and 1⁄2 to 1 inch wide in length. It is very identical to the northern red oak in shape. It takes Acorns two years to ripen, and at an average age of 24 years, the tree begins bearing acorns.

Shumard oak Pros and Cons:

Shumard oak is a powerful, long-lived tree which is a medium to the rapid grower. It withstands a broad range of forms of soil.

Absolutely brilliant Tree with Wildlife. Long-lived. Foxes, wolves, goose, and other animals have eaten the acorns.

The Shumard oak is a remarkably resilient species of tree. Although its natural environment is along with river bottom soil and along creeks in eastern Kansas, it is very tolerant to clay soils and high pH levels. 

In urban plantings, where soil compaction may be an issue, it is becoming more common and has proven itself in western Kansas, where pH levels are high. If northern red oak is considered to be used, but soil conditions are poor, then Shumard oak is seriously considered.

Space plants around 20-25 feet apart in open areas.

For plantings, one-year-old, dry seedlings 18–24 inches tall are used. Sustainability is very successful, in particular. Although very resistant to grass and weed growth, however, with good weed and grass control, they will grow faster.

There are few cons which include pest infestation in some case, and some wild animals may damage the growth of trees.