6 Best Types of Oak Trees In Massachusetts

There are many different types of oak trees that grow in Massachusetts. The state spans USDA zones 5a - 7b, so the oak trees that grow up there have to be extremely hardy. Massachusetts is a cold and snowy state in the Winter, but during the summer, it's warm. The climate is ideal for a variety of different crops. Oaks are no exception.

Best Types of Oak Trees That Grow In Massachusetts

6 types of oak trees that can grow in Massachusetts are:

• White oaks
• Red oaks
• Swamp white oaks
• Shingle oaks
• Bear oaks
• Pin oaks

Similar to ash trees in Massachusetts, the oaks of the state come in many different varieties with different care needs. Check out our in-depth guides below.

White Oak (Quercus alba)

Photo Credit: NatureServe

Other common names: Northern White Oak, Eastern White Oak, Stave Oak, Ridge White Oak, Forked-leaf

Growing zones: 3 - 9 [1]

Average Mature size: Up to 100 ft. tall

The White oak is a magnificent and imposing deciduous species that finds a home in Massachusetts. Growing in Zones 3 to 9, they can grow across the entire state but their native home is in Eastern Canada and all across the United States. They don't like shade or undrained soil and they have a number of different pests, but nonetheless, they can grow strong and durable.

White oaks are an important variety of oak used in many different wooden products. If you drink whiskey, there is a good chance that you've had it from a barrel made of white oak. They are also used in furniture and flooring. The red oak seems to be taking over the market share but white oaks still hang on.



Like other oaks, these too drop acorns annually which feed different wildlife. When they bloom, they can turn many different colors including red, yellow, green, or brown. Like we said above, avoid planting these in shady, damp areas and avoid alkaline soil. 

Red Oaks (Quercus coccinea)

Photo Credit: Dan Keck

Other common names: Scarlet Oaks

Growing zones: 5 - 9

Average Mature size: 70 to 120 ft. tall

Tree peepers all over love the Red Oak tree for its beautiful autumn color. Namely, its red leaves. Red oak leaves turn to that vibrant, scarlet color come fall. When you think of Fall, there is a good chance you think of this tree without even realizing it.

Normally growing to 75 ft. tall, the red oak has sometimes hit heights of over 120 ft. and even 150 ft. Hardy in zones 5 to 9, the red oak can grow across all of Massachusetts and even the United States. They like medium water levels, moist soil, and full sun.

Be careful not to cut the tree branches of your red oak if there is a wilt infestation during the growing season. Red oaks are extremely susceptible to oak wilt. 

Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor)

Photo Credit: Dan Keck

Other common names: Swamp White Oak

Growing zones: 4a - 8a [1]

Average Mature size: 80 ft. tall

The Swamp White Oak is a shorter yet still beautiful oak tree that grows all over Massachusetts. If you didn't guess already, bicolor refers to the two tones or two colors, the leaves have on both the upper and lower side.

Swamp whites enjoy full sun, moist, wet, acidic soil, and because of their root system, they are able to withstand both spring flooding and dry summers. If you go to prune them, sometimes, the lower branches need pruning to get adequate space clearance.

Naturally, swamp whites are confused with the regular white oak but there are a few key differences. The swamp white does not have the lobed leaves that are deeply cut. Its branches are also known for peeling bark.

If you are planning on planting the swamp white tree, it's best planted along ponds or wet, low areas like streams. 

Shingle Oak (Quercus imbricaria)

Photo Credit

Other common names: Shingle Oak, Laurel Oak, Small-leaved oak

Growing zones: 5 to 8

Average Mature size: Up to 60 ft. tall

The Shingle oak is another small deciduous tree that grows only up to 60 ft. tall. They like full sun, medium water, and moist but well-drained soil. Unlike other oaks, shingle oak has biennial acorns. The leaves are shiny dark green on the top and light whitish green on the bottom.



Unlike other oaks, the Shingle oak is considerably easier to transplant. Also, its an easier variety to grow on landscapes or in cities, as they can tolerate different regimes of soil moisture. Like the Swamp oak, the Shingle oak is susceptible to oat wilt, but also it can get pine-oak rusts and leaf blisters. 

Photo Credit: Bruce Kirchoff

Other common names: Beak Oak, Scrub Oak

Growing zones: 3a - 7a

Average Mature size: Up to 25 ft. tall



The Beak oak, also known as the scrub oak, is a small tree or shrub. It grows only about 20 ft. tall so it's not what people typically think of when they think of oak trees.

Bear oaks like the sun and dry soil. Their acorns provide food to wildlife such as grouse or wild turkeys. Their native habitat is on rocky hillsides that are sandy and barren. 

Photo Credit: F.D. Richards

Other common names: Pin Oak, Swamp Spanish Oak

Growing zones: 4 to 8 [1]

Average Mature size: 60 to 70 ft. tall

The last oak on our list is the Pink Oak. A medium-sized oak tree, the Pin oak won't start producing acorns until it reaches 15 years of age. Typically found in hardiness zones 4 to 8, these trees can grow all across Massachusetts.

The Pin Oak is another oak that finds its home in swamps. It likes full sun but can tolerate wet soil. It has shallow roots that are easily transplanted. It's a very popular tree that is often found in home landscapes and other urban areas. Be sure to cut up any dead branches with a hand saw.

Thanks for stopping by! We hope you learned about a few more variety oak trees that you can grow if you live in the state of Massachusetts.

A lot of these same varieties also grow up in Maine. Yep, the oak trees of Maine are basically cousins to Massachusetts.

Be sure to check out some of our other guides on the best front yard trees if you are from other states.

Keep Reading...

Now that you know all about Oak Trees in Massachusetts keep reading to learn about the best trees to plant in Massachusetts.

We also have an extensive guide on the wonderful Ash Trees of Massachusetts if you are interested in other species of trees.

FAQs

Related Articles:

• The Best Trees To Plant In Massachusetts
• How To Install Drip Irrigation For Trees
• The Best Privacy Trees