Why You Should Plant Oak Trees in Your Garden

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Answer: Plant Quercus oaks garden keystone wildlife 500+ moths/butterflies birds acorns mammals; carbon sink 20,000lbs CO2/20yrs red oak oxygen 2 people/yr shade biodiversity. Acorns fall stratify damp sand fridge 5°C pots bury; moist soil young monthly watering mature. Native species site-specific longevity 200+yrs. "Oaks support more life-forms North America tree genus birds bears insects," confirms ecologists.

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Quercus 600+ Northern Hemisphere species deciduous/evergreen; keystone ecosystem food/shelter carbon sequestration shade soil health. Urban tolerant pest-resistant.[^39_5][^39_2]

Oak tree acorns wildlife carbon shade — Keystone ecosystem tree.

## Key Benefits | Benefit | Impact | Evidence | |---------|--------|----------| | Wildlife | 500+ moths/butterflies birds acorns [^39_6] | Keystone species | | Carbon | 20,000lbs CO2/20yrs red oak [^39_2] | Climate mitigation | | Shade | Microclimate cooling air quality [^39_2] | Urban forests | | Longevity | 200+ yrs posterity [^39_6] | Legacy planting | ## Planting Guide **Acorn Stratification:** Fall collect mature; damp sand fridge 5°C winter spring plant OR pots bury screen squirrels.[^39_7] **Site:** Full sun well-drained; young moist not soggy monthly mature.[^39_3] **Species:** Native local—red fast pin color white acorns.[^39_6] ## Companion Plants - Rhododendrons azaleas ferns heucheras acid duff. - Amelanic shrubs blueberries strawberries edges.[^39_8]

Frequently Asked Questions

Fast growing?: Pin/red 12-24in/yr white slower.[^39_6]
Acorn viability?: Fall mature stratify cracks ok.[^39_9]
Urban ok?: Tolerant diversity pest-resistant.[^39_5]
Toxic?: Acorns tannic humans pets caution.[^39_8]
Space needed?: Large 50-100ft mature plan ahead.[^39_8]