Quercus montana, or chestnut oak, is native to the eastern United States and thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, preferring moist, rich loams but adaptable to dry, rocky soils. It has good drought tolerance and grows tallest in rich, well-drained conditions. Chestnut oak is susceptible to oak diseases like oak wilt, chestnut blight, and anthracnose, along with pests such as scale, oak skeletonizer, and caterpillars. Despite these risks, it is considered low-maintenance and long-lived. This tree is ideal for large lawns or parks and particularly suitable for areas with poor, rocky soils. Pruning during the dormant season helps prevent oak wilt spread. Quercus montana drops acorns and a significant number of leaves, with the heaviest shedding in the fall. It is considered moderately messy due to the acorn litter and seasonal leaf drop that require regular cleanup.
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Planting Site and Native Range
Planting Site
Naturalization, Parks, Highway, Residential, Wide Median
Management Notes
Management Notes
Acorns can be a litter issue in some years
Tree Characteristics
Growth Rate
Slow (less than 30cm per year)
Width
17 - 21m
Height
15 - 23m
Soil Quantity
>30 m
Leaves
Deciduous
Insects and Diseases
Insects and Diseases
No serious or common issues in the urban environment. Wide range of pests in general for oak (Quercus) species that mainly affect its appearance slightly in minor cases. Two lined chestnut borer has been observed to attack and kill stressed Oak trees in Ontario.
Tree Tolerances
Soil Salt Tolerance
Unknown
Salt Spray Tolerance
Unknown
Flooding Tolerance
Low
Drought Tolerance
High
pH Tolerance
Tolerant of acid to slightly alkaline soil (pH 5.0 to 7.5)