The Monterrey Oak (Quercus polymorpha), also known as the Mexican White Oak, is the most popular shade tree for San Antonio landscapes. Fast-growing, drought-tolerant, and resistant to oak wilt — it checks every box for Central Texas.
Alfaro Tree Sales has been growing and planting Monterrey Oaks since 1976. Visit our 40-acre nursery in Atascosa or call for a free quote.
The Monterrey Oak is native to northeastern Mexico and a small area near the Devil’s River in South Texas, making it uniquely adapted to our hot, dry climate. This semi-evergreen tree holds its leaves through most of winter, shedding briefly in late February before pushing out fresh growth almost immediately — giving you shade and screening nearly year-round.
Unlike Live Oaks and Red Oaks — which are highly susceptible and can die within months of infection — the Monterrey Oak is classified as highly resistant to oak wilt by the Texas A&M Forest Service. It’s the go-to replacement recommended by arborists throughout Central Texas.
The two most popular shade trees in San Antonio — here’s how they differ.
Expected height after planting a 4" caliper tree (20–24 ft at install).
Deep water 2–3×/week for the first season. After year 1, once per week. By year 2, rainfall is typically enough.
No amendments needed — adapted to SA’s alkaline soils. After year 1, apply a balanced 10-10-10 in early spring.
Minimal for first 3–5 years. Remove dead or crossing branches only. Best done mid-winter (Jan–Feb).
October through March is ideal. Our crew plants year-round — summer installs just need extra watering for 60–90 days.
Choose your tree at our nursery or by phone. We deliver it to your property.
Machine-dug hole, native soil backfill, deep watering, and mulch ring installed.
Written care instructions plus a 30-day establishment check from our crew.
Monterrey Oaks add up to 4 feet of height per year under good conditions, reaching 30–40 feet within 10–15 years. Growth rate depends on soil quality, sun exposure, and watering during establishment.
Yes. Monterrey Oaks (Quercus polymorpha) show strong resistance to oak wilt (Ceratocystis fagacearum) — the disease that has killed thousands of Live Oaks and Red Oaks across Central Texas. This is one of the primary reasons arborists recommend it.
Deep watering 2–3 times per week during the first growing season. Once established (1–2 years), they’re drought-tolerant and only need supplemental irrigation during extended dry spells.
Monterrey Oaks grow faster (up to 4 ft/yr vs. 1–2 ft), are oak wilt resistant (Live Oaks are highly susceptible), and are semi-evergreen. Live Oaks are fully evergreen with wider canopy spread. For oak wilt zones, the Monterrey Oak is the safer choice.
October through March is ideal. Our team plants year-round — summer installs just require more attentive watering for the first 60–90 days.
We offer Monterrey Oaks from younger trees to large, mature specimens with immediate shade impact. All are field-grown at our 40-acre nursery in Atascosa. Call (210) 202-4284 or visit to see current inventory.
Yes. We provide professional delivery and planting across the San Antonio metro and surrounding areas. Our team handles transport, planting, mulching, and post-care guidance. Request a free quote.
They’re semi-evergreen. In mild winters they keep most foliage. In colder winters they may drop more leaves in late February before flushing new growth in March — much shorter than fully deciduous oaks.
