Burr Oak

The King of Texas Shade Trees

The Burr Oak (Quercus macrocarpa) is one of the largest and most majestic native oaks in North America, with a broad, spreading canopy that can shade an entire yard. Extremely tough, long-lived, and well-adapted to alkaline soils, it’s an outstanding choice for large San Antonio properties. Alfaro Tree Sales has been growing Burr Oaks at our 40-acre Atascosa nursery since 1976.

1–2 ft/yr
Growth Rate
60–80 ft
Mature Height
Excellent
Drought Tolerance
Since ’76
Growing & Planting
Sun
Full Sun
Water
Low–Moderate
Growth
1–2 ft/yr
Mature Height
60–80 ft
Foliage
Deciduous
Massive Canopy
200+ Year Lifespan

Massive Canopy

Burr Oaks develop enormous spreading canopies — often 60–80 feet wide at maturity — making them one of the best shade trees available for large properties, ranches, and estates in the San Antonio area.

Massive canopy for ultimate shade Extremely long-lived (200+ years) Excellent drought tolerance Field-grown at our 40-acre nursery

Burr Oak vs. Live Oak

Two SA shade giants compared side by side.

Recommended

Burr Oak

Growth Rate1–2 ft/yr
Canopy60–80 ft spread
FoliageDeciduous
Mature Height60–80 ft
DroughtExcellent
Lifespan200+ years

Live Oak

Growth Rate1–2 ft/yr
Canopy40–60 ft spread
FoliageEvergreen
Mature Height40–50 ft
DroughtGood
Lifespan100+ years

Growth Timeline

Expected height after planting a 4” caliper tree (16–20 ft at install).

18 ft
Planting
26 ft
Year 5
36 ft
Year 10
Good shade
65 ft
Year 25+
Mature

Care After Planting

Watering

Deep water 2–3×/week during the first growing season. After establishment, supplemental water only during extended drought.

Soil & Fertilizer

Excellent in SA’s alkaline soils. No amendments needed. A slow-release fertilizer in spring after year 2 supports growth.

Pruning

Structural pruning when young to develop a strong central leader. Prune in mid-winter only. Minimal pruning needed at maturity.

Best Planting Time

October through March. Plan for the tree’s massive mature size — plant at least 30 ft from structures.

Our Planting Process

1

Select & Deliver

Choose your tree at our nursery or by phone. We deliver it to your property.

2

Plant & Mulch

Machine-dug hole, native soil backfill, deep watering, and mulch ring installed.

3

Follow-Up

Written care instructions plus a 30-day establishment check from our crew.

Sun
Full Sun
Water
Low–Moderate
Growth Rate
1–2 ft/yr
Mature Height
60–80 ft
Canopy Spread
60–80 ft
Foliage
Deciduous
Foliage
Deciduous
Native Range
Central Texas & Great Plains
Soil
Alkaline / Limestone
Best For
Large Properties, Estate Shade
Category
Native
Nursery
40 Acres, Atascosa TX

Burr Oaks grow 1–2 feet per year, which is moderate. They’re a long-term investment that rewards patience with a massive, majestic canopy.

Very large — 60–80 ft tall with an equal or wider canopy spread at maturity. They need plenty of space and should be planted away from structures.

Yes, extremely. Once established, Burr Oaks have deep taproots that access groundwater, making them one of the most drought-tolerant oaks for San Antonio.

Burr Oaks are in the white oak family and show good resistance to oak wilt, though not as resistant as Monterrey Oaks. Still, they’re a much safer choice than Live Oaks or Red Oaks.

October through March is ideal. Our team plants year-round with proper watering protocols for summer installs.

We offer Burr Oaks from younger trees to large specimens. All field-grown at our 40-acre nursery in Atascosa. Call (210) 202-4284 or visit.

Yes. Professional delivery and planting across the San Antonio metro area. Request a free quote.

Burr Oaks produce distinctive large acorns (up to 2 inches) with a fringed cap — they’re the largest acorns of any North American oak and attract wildlife.