The Southern Live Oak Tree or the Quercus Virginiana grow in various areas of our beautiful Fort Walton Beach Florida. It is considered an evergreen tree. This Oak Tree primarily grows in the Southeastern part of the United States and especially in lower coastal areas along the Gulf of Mexico.
It is very unusual to find this type of tree further than 300 miles of saltwater coastlines. They can also grow in a forest in dry or moist conditions. This tree is a great source for shade and makes a fun climbing tree due to its long branches. These plants grow rather quickly and last hundreds of years. They can reach heights of sixty feet on average and are salt resistant and capable of withstanding strong winds.
It has the ability to grow in various soil types. Southern Live Oak Trees are plentiful in Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa County in areas such as our local parks, forests, coastal areas and of course in your beautiful landscapes.
Great Habitat For Natural Wildlife
This particular oak tree makes a wonderful habitat for our natural wildlife here in Fort Walton Beach and the entire Emerald Coast. With it's hanging Spanish Moss, long limbs and shedding of acorns, squirrels, and birds make their homes in these majestic trees. Ducks, deer and even raccoons also love feeding on the acorns this tree produces.
History Of The Southern Live Oak Tree
The timber from the Southern Live Oak Tree is strong and durable withstanding strong winds from bad storms. It is not used for lumber much these days. In the War of 1812, it was used to construct the hull for the USS Constitution. The vessel was known as "Old Ironsides" because cannonballs would bounce off the wood when hitting the hull.
Early Native Americans extracted the sweet oil from the acorns of the Live Oak Tree that is similar to the Olive Oil we use today.
You may also spot these trees in pictures of old antebellum homes throughout the southern coastal parts of the United States. They are a monumental tree throughout history.
Your Local Arborist in Fort Walton Beach & Surrounding Areas
Do you have a Southern Live Oak Tree that you need to plant, transplant, remove or prune? The arborists at New Leaf Arboriculture are here to help with all your Southern Live Oak Tree needs. If you are ready to plant a Southern Live Oak Tree, please remember these trees can grow very large. Ample room for growth is needed when planning the placement of this tree. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
Would you like to learn more about our local trees? Read this previous blog about our Washingtonia Palm Trees. If you have questions or suggestions for our future blogs about a particular type of tree, you can submit your ideas on our Questions & Ideas Form.
