deciduous tree
Bur Oak: pruning, storm risk and removal
Quercus macrocarpa. Also called Burr oak, Mossycup oak.
Plain-English notes for homeowners, plus field notes for tree crews. General guidance only: for one specific tree, have a local insured pro look at it.
Bur Oak at a glance
| Height | 60-80 ft, sometimes taller |
|---|---|
| Spread | 60-80 ft |
| Growth rate | Slow |
| USDA zones | 3-8 |
| Lifespan | typically 200-300 years or more |
| Type | Deciduous |
| Native range | Central and eastern North America, from the Great Plains and Midwest to the eastern United States and into southern Canada. |
| Roots | Develops a deep taproot when young, then a wide, deep root system. It is known for drought tolerance. Old trees do not like soil changes, compaction or cut roots. |
| Wood | Heavy, hard white-oak-group wood. Good firewood when well seasoned, which typically takes a year or more. |
| Storm risk | lowStrong, deep-rooted and wind-firm. Very large old trees can still drop big limbs, especially where there is decay. |
Typical ranges, not guarantees. Soil, water, space and care change how a tree grows. Storm risk is our general rating for the species, not an inspection.
For homeowners
Caring for a bur oak
Best time to prune
Dormant season, late fall through winter. Do light structural pruning when young and remove dead limbs on older trees.
Avoid pruning
Avoid spring and early summer pruning where oak wilt is present. Do not cut large roots or change the grade near old trees.
More on timing: when to prune trees.
- Plant it only where it has lots of room; it becomes one of the largest shade trees.
- Protect the root zone of existing trees from building work, trenching and parking.
- Expect large acorns with fringed caps; they fall in autumn and feed wildlife.
- Have very old trees looked at by a certified arborist before major construction nearby.
Safety first
Do not climb a tree or use a chainsaw on storm-loaded or broken wood. If a tree or limb is touching power lines, stay away and call the utility. If someone is in danger, call 911. For anything big, hire a local insured pro: read how to hire a tree service and is my tree dangerous?
Lirevon does not do tree work. Find local pros on Google Maps and read their reviews, then get two or three written quotes.
For tree crews
Field notes: working on bur oak
- 1Plan rigging for very heavy, wide limbs on large trees.
- 2Check for hollow trunks and old wounds before climbing.
- 3Corky ridges on twigs are normal for this species.
- 4Cut firewood is dense and slow to dry; tell the customer it needs to be seasoned.
Removal notes
Mature bur oaks are huge, with wide spreading limbs, so removal often needs a crane or skilled rigging. Wood is heavy, so plan for large loads. Get a quote.
Wood
Heavy, hard white-oak-group wood. Good firewood when well seasoned, which typically takes a year or more.
Pricing this job? Try the tree job estimator. Follow your own safety plan and crew training on every job.
Common problems for bur oak
Pests and diseases to watch for. Each link explains signs and what to do.
Trees often mistaken for it
Check the leaves, bark and shape before you decide how to prune or treat.
Where bur oak grows
Native range: Central and eastern North America, from the Great Plains and Midwest to the eastern United States and into southern Canada.
Common in these US regions. Tap one to see other trees there.
Free tools for this tree
They run in your browser and nothing is sent anywhere. Results are estimates.
Bur Oak: common questions
How big does a bur oak get?
It typically reaches 60 to 80 feet tall with a similar spread, and some old trees are larger. It needs a big yard.
How long does a bur oak live?
Often 200 to 300 years or more, which makes it one of the longest-lived oaks.
Is a bur oak drought tolerant?
Yes. Its deep roots help it cope with dry periods, and it is common on prairies and open ground. Young trees still need regular water until established.
Does oak wilt affect bur oak?
It can, but bur oak is in the white oak group, which usually shows more resistance than red oaks. It is not immune.
Why are the acorns so big?
Bur oak has some of the largest acorns of any North American oak, with a fringed cap. That fringe gives the tree its name.
Can I move a mature bur oak?
Moving a large old tree is very hard because of its deep roots. Young trees are much easier to plant than large ones to move.
More trees in the same regions
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