40 CityTREES
of hurricanes commonly affecting the southern states
of the U.S. The same widespread roots that anchor
the tree can also, unfortunately, lift sidewalks, curbs,
and driveways in urban and residential settings if
there is inadequate soil volume for the roots.
A young live oak tree can grow fast and needs struc-
tural pruning to establish proper trunk and branch
structure that will benefit the tree in its later years.
Live oak can reach its maximum trunk diameter
within 70 years before its growth rate slows. Mature
live oak trees bear small, yellow-green catkins that
can create seasonal discomfort for allergy sufferers.
We like to say that "it doesn't snow in the South,
it pollens," and male live oak flowers (catkins) are
one of the major culprits. However, the acorns they
help create are favored by wildlife such as birds,
wild turkeys, squirrels, black bears, and deer.
Southern live oak is usually pest- and disease-free,
although stressed trees are more susceptible to
boring insects, mites, aphids, fungi, mildew, and
cankers. Here in Louisiana, most of these have minor
landscape impacts. Oak wilt is not currently present
here in Louisiana; however, oak wilt has wreaked
havoc on live oaks in parts of neighboring Texas.
Live oak has been historically regarded for its
strong wood. So much so that the U.S. Navy used
to maintain live oak forests for wood produc-
tion. The naval frigate USS Constitution was built
using live oak lumber for the hull and received
the name "Old Ironsides" after the vessel sur-
vived repeated cannonball shots from British
warships during the War of 1812. Though the
wood is no longer used for such purposes, what
a special history for such a special tree!
Southern live oak (Quercus virginiana) on the Old State Capitol grounds
in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Photo by Brittany Benjamin, June 2023
