black oak for shade

[Anonymous]

Does anyone have any experience and or suggestions for using a black oak as a shade tree? I live in Sacramento, which I know is on the fringe of the natural range, but I know I have seen them growing here. They are so beautiful, it seems a good choice for a deciduous shade tree. I would also love suggestions about associate trees and/or underplantings. I was thinking about madrone, bay laurel, or redwoods. Any comments would be appreciated??and any suggestions for sources? Think I might find one at the CNPS plant sale??</p>

[Anonymous]

Some thoughts:It would seem that black oak would do OK in cool, irrigated Sacramento suburbia.Black oak occasionally hybridizes with some of its neighbor live oaks, which may give added interest or survivability?Madrone can be a beautiful tree, but very touchy to grow, especially transplant, and tends to be vulnerable to many diseases, so is generally not advised for landscaping. A couple years ago they were doing some research into the horticultural possibilities of madrone at the U of Washington Center for Urban Horticulture ? try their website?Bay laurel is a personal favorite of mine, and would seem to do well for you in Sacramento if you have the space for a medium to large tree.Don?t plant a redwood, neither coastal nor Sierra, unless you have a very large area they tend to uproot sidewalks, foundations, and the like, as well as get their roots into the plumbing.This is a website for some plant sources: http://www.nativehabitats.org/calret.htm</p>

[Anonymous]

Yikes!!! Thanks for the warning about the redwoods. They are very popular in my neighborhood, but I guess I will just admire everyone else's from afar and let them deal with the consequences. I have a concrete slab foundation, so I do need to be careful with roots. I have read many landscape books that recommend them for quick screens, but no one has every mentioned that charming aspect of their personality. Thanks again.</p>