Monterrey Oak

San Antonio’s #1 Shade Tree

The Monterrey Oak (Quercus polymorpha), widely known as the Monterrey Oak, is the most popular shade tree in San Antonio. Fast-growing, drought-tolerant, and resistant to oak wilt, it checks every box for Central Texas landscapes. Alfaro Tree Sales has been growing Monterrey Oaks at our 40-acre nursery in Atascosa since 1976.

3–4 ft/yr
Growth Rate
40–60 ft
Mature Height
Oak Wilt Resistant
Since ’76
Growing & Planting
Sun
Full Sun
Water
Low–Moderate
Growth
3–4 ft/yr
Mature Height
40–60 ft
Foliage
Semi-Evergreen
Oak Wilt Resistant
Highly Resistant

Oak Wilt Resistant

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.

Oak wilt resistant Drought-tolerant once established Adapted to SA limestone soil Field-grown at our 40-acre nursery

Monterrey Oak vs. Live Oak

The two most popular shade trees in San Antonio compared.

Recommended

Monterrey Oak

Growth Rate3–4 ft/yr
Oak Wilt✔ Resistant
FoliageSemi-evergreen
Mature Height40–60 ft
Canopy30–40 ft spread
DroughtExcellent

Live Oak

Growth Rate1–2 ft/yr
Oak Wilt✘ Susceptible
FoliageEvergreen
Mature Height40–50 ft
Canopy40–60 ft spread
DroughtGood

Growth Timeline

Expected height after planting a 4” caliper tree (20–24 ft at install).

22 ft
Planting
31 ft
Year 3
43 ft
Year 7
Full shade
55 ft
Year 15+
Mature

Care After Planting

Watering

Deep water 2–3×/week for the first season. After year 1, once per week. By year 2, rainfall is typically enough.

Soil & Fertilizer

No amendments needed — adapted to SA’s alkaline soils. After year 1, apply a balanced 10-10-10 in early spring.

Pruning

Minimal for first 3–5 years. Remove dead or crossing branches only. Best done mid-winter (Jan–Feb).

Best Planting Time

October through March is ideal. Our crew plants year-round — summer installs just need extra watering for 60–90 days.

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
3–4 ft/yr
Mature Height
40–60 ft
Canopy Spread
30–40 ft
Oak Wilt Resistant
Highly Resistant
Foliage
Semi-Evergreen
Native Range
NE Mexico & S. Texas
Soil
Alkaline / Limestone
Best For
Shade, Large Yards
Category
Native
Nursery
40 Acres, Atascosa TX

Monterrey Oaks add up to 4 feet of height per year, reaching 30–40 feet within 10–15 years.

Yes. They show strong resistance to oak wilt, classified as highly resistant by the Texas A&M Forest Service.

Yes — they’re the same species (Quercus polymorpha). “Monterrey Oak” is the common nursery name; “Monterrey Oak” is the botanical common name.

Deep watering 2–3 times per week during the first growing season. Once established, they’re drought-tolerant.

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

We offer Monterrey Oaks from younger trees to large specimens. Field-grown at our 40-acre nursery in Atascosa. Call (210) 202-4284.

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

They’re semi-evergreen. In mild winters they keep most foliage. In colder winters they drop leaves briefly in late February before flushing new growth in March.