Tree of the Week - Northern Red Oak

Considering last week's posting about the White Oak, it only makes sense to follow up with information on the Northern Red Oak. Unlike White Oak, which is most favored as a game management tool for its acorns, Northern Red Oak is more valuable as timber; upwards of $400 per MBF at current rates in Upstate New York. This makes the management of Red Oak much different than that of White Oak; as the Red Oak will need to be grown greater densities to ensure proper stem form, while acorn productivity will take a back seat, unlike the White Oak which should be grown in open areas where it can form a full canopy for maximum acorn yield. However, from a land management standpoint; it would be better to have lesser quantities of White Oak trees; as they are less valuable, and more of the valuable Red Oak. Therefore; the yield of the Red Oaks will likely be higher than the yield of the less common White Oak, simply because of the planting requirements. Further, in having less White Oak, it makes it easier from a game management standpoint as well, knowing that game prefers the White Oak.

As timber, Red Oak is a fast-growing, high-demand hardwood, growing at rates upwards of two feet per year in its prime habitat; well-drained, north and east-facing slopes. Considering its value, demand and growth rate, Red Oak is a must-have for any serious land manager looking for a high ROI. While Red Oak acorns are less significant to most game; as the tannins block much of the digestibility of them; they remain very important to white-tailed deer, which have developed a natural resistance to the tannins. Likewise, Red Oak has a much more dependable yield year after year when compared to White Oak, which typically produces a large crop once every three to five years. Thus, from a game management standpoint, especially from deer management, Red Oak is by no means a tree that should be overlooked, as it is a very important fall yielding, hard mast species.

As far as planting Red Oak; it is a little more complex than that of White Oak, as it requires 60-75 days of stratification at approximately 40 degrees before it will germinate. Further, there are no genetically superior Red Oak on the market, as certain compounds within the wood make grafting virtually impossible, meaning so too is genetic improvement. Therefore, for someone who wants the easiest route, purchasing quality stock is the way to go; and because this wood will be sold as timber, the initial outlay cost is not as significant as it is with White Oak, which will command a substantially lower price over a longer growing period.

Timber Rating: A+

Mast Rating: A

Overall Rating: A