Earlier this week we had a chance to trim up a red oak tree so I thought I would write about some awesome facts about oak trees that you may not know.
Oaks are one of the oldest and most widely spread trees on this planet. They existed way before humans were here. Oaks played a crucial role in Human history as well. Early Humans built their homes, created tools, and constructed strong ships from oak wood. Here are 12 interesting facts about oak trees!
1- A mature oak tree can reach around 148 feet.
Compared to coast redwoods which usually grow to a height of 379 feet, oak trees stay in the category of middle-height trees. However contrary to redwood, their branches can spread wide n length. therefore, they are also considered shrubs.
2- Oak trees appeared on our planet about 65 million years ago.
Unlike many other trees, oak trees have not gone extinct during such a long stretch of time. This is mainly because their seeds are cased in hard shells. Plus, acorns and leaves are coated with tannic acid, which prevents fungi and insects from harming them.
3- Oak trees live up to 1,000 years.
They are considered old when the trees reach the age of 700 years. Until that age, oak trees continue to grow and produce acorns to multiply their offspring. When the trees surpass the 1000 year mark, their growth slows down and some parts start to die.
4- An oak tree produces about 10 million acorns during its lifetime.
Each acorn contains only one seed enclosed in a tough shell. Apart from being a seed, they are also the main food source for many birds, such as woodpeckers, ducks, and pigeons. Squirrels, mice, rats, deer, pigs, and bears also consume acorns. However, if you are a dog or a horse owner, you should note that acorns are toxic for your animals. The acids contained in the acorn can poison both dogs and horses, leading to severe gastrointestinal and kidney diseases.
5- There are over 600 species of oak trees.
The highest population of oak trees can be found in North America, especially in Mexico, where about 160 species grow. The U.S. also has over 90 species. China also has over 100 species of oak
6- The Largest living oak tree is located in Mandeville, Louisiana.
Apart from being the largest, it is also one of the oldest known living oak trees, with an estimated age of 1,500 years. Pictured below.
7- Wine is aged in oak barrels.
You may have seen one of those big old wooden wine barrels. those are made of hand-selected oaks, usually American or French Oak The aging of wine in oak barrels was the historic practice of famous winemakers and it is still practice to this day. The oak adds a unique taste, and the aromas of vanilla, coconut and smoke to the wine.
8- If you like truffles, then thank the oaks.
Truffles have a close relationship with the roots of oak trees. Did you know that it is almost impossible to grow truffles on farms? Truffles grow naturally. Their development process is tied up with mystery and uncertainty. Truffle prices are a lot higher than any other fungi. Truffle farmers do not plant truffles. Instead, they plant oak trees, hoping to create favorable conditions that might invite the growth of truffles.
9- Oaktree population is decreasing.
Farmers in Central America are clearing out the oak trees in order to open up razing land for cattle or for coffee plantations. They use chopped-down oaks as construction material, and the rest is processed to manufacture the coal. Currently, 78 species of oaks are considered to be in danger of extinction.
10- Only 1 in 10,000 acorns grow up to be an oak tree.
Usually, oak trees start to produce acorns when they reach 50 years of age. In their maturity, they can produce over 10,000 acorns, most of which are digested by animals and fertilized into the ground. In other words, a full-grown oak tree gives birth to one oak a year!
11- Vikings used oaks to construct their ships and boats.
Oaks are dense and strong, which made them favorable in many construction projects during ancient times. Vikings handcrafted their ships using local oaks. They used pine trees as well. British Royal Navy ships were also constructed from oaks until the mid- 19th century. Oaks are still the choice of carpenters when they create furniture and veneers.
12- Some cultures worshipped oak trees.
Throughout the centuries, mainly in parts of Europe, people worshipped oak trees, associating them with the mythological gods, namely Zeus and Jupiter. Druids also worshipped oak trees. They got married under the spreading branches of oaks and carried acorns, believing those practices would bring them happiness and good health.
So if you would like to have your trees around like the majestic oaks. Give us a call!
