Full sun. Deciduous, with distinctive, deeply lobed leaves. One of the common oaks in Texas, post oak tolerates both dry uplands and soggy, flatwoods soils, growing up to 50 feet. In the dry western portion of its range, around San Antonio, it is smaller. The roots are extremely sensitive to disturbance; a good companion landscape would be simply spreading a native shade-loving wildflower seed mix.
Although uncommon in landscape situations in San Antonio, post oak is one of the most drought-tolerant oaks and full-grown trees provides an excellent shade canopy. The acorns are an important food source for deer, squirrels, wild turkeys, and other wildlife. Several butterfly species use it as a larval host.
Post oak’s short stout lumber was once used for posts and railroad ties.
Pruning; training; raking leaves and other litter. Post oak is susceptible to oak wilt; prune only in winter. Pruning is always optional. In general, focus on minimizing dead, damaged, or rubbing branches. Cuts should only be made at a bud or branch; as with any tree, remove no more than 25% of the total canopy during any five-year cycle. To maintain a healthy specimen, leave the upper 2/3 of the tree’s height uncut, and never remove more than the lowest third of the tree in a single pruning period — for example, on a 12-foot tree, stick to the lowest 4 feet.
A fairly compact oak with a rounded crown.
