Live Oak (Quercus virginiana)
Water Color 12×9 by Adam Rodriguez
About
Live Oaks are iconic Southern Coast trees, admired for their sprawling branches and majestic, dense crowns—often stretching up to 100 feet wide. With thick trunks and twisting limbs, they provide shade, beauty, and a sense of history wherever they grow.
Tree Health & Care
These trees thrive in Houston’s heat and humidity but require routine pruning to train strength and intentional construction. Regular pruning, pest monitoring, and disease prevention—especially when located on residential property or adjacent to many other live oaks —keep your Live Oaks vibrant, safe, and resilient against storms.
Trimming & Maintenance Schedule
To keep your Live Oaks healthy and safe, we recommend professional pruning every 1- 2 years. Regular trimming promotes strong structure, reduces storm damage risk, and maintains their impressive appearance.
Did you Know?
Live Oak acorns are a local favorite—squirrels, birds, and deer rely on them as a food source.
Their naturally durable wood was historically prized in shipbuilding—famously used for vessels like the USS Constitution.
Despite hurricane-force winds, Live Oaks frequently remain standing strong, making them true symbols of resilience in Houston.
Pro Tips from Hankla Family Trees
Mulching around the base conserves moisture and protects roots—just keep mulch clear of the trunk to prevent rot.
Regularly inspect your Live Oaks for signs of pests or disease; early detection can prevent bigger problems later.
Always hire experienced professionals for pruning—improper cuts can lead to lasting damage and irreconcilable design which can compromise tree health, imbalance the tree, promote unwanted growth and even kill the tree.
When planting these giants understand their canopies get massive quickly. This species is a favorite of South Texan home and commercial developers. If they are planted < 60’ apart, budget for and design association restrictions for thinning a stand (cutting down select trees and prioritizing certain trees) to promote proper care and managed succession of the canopy
