The Magnificent Live Oak

The Magnificent Live Oak

The magnificent live oak is a broadleaf evergreen tree known as a picturesque addition to any landscape. Live oak trees are known as the southern symbol of strength. The live oak is also the official state tree of Georgia.

Often seen lining the historic streets of small towns, the reclining branches create a majestic canopy of scattered sparkling light on a summer day. Live oak trees typically grow somewhat rapidly while young and often live to be centuries old. The live oak mainly grows in the lower coastal plains from southeastern Virginia but more commonly in southern Georgia to Florida as well as Texas.

More commonly recognized in the Gulf Coast area, live oaks often support many types of iconic plant life. The most recognizable includes Spanish moss which hangs in sweeping romantic garlands, giving these trees a striking magnificent appearance. Spanish moss is often referred to as an “air plant” since it seems to have no root system.

An icon in American history and literature, live oaks thrive in the south, and are the preferred landscaping tree for many homes and businesses. The live oak’s broad crown, with its long arching limbs that spread horizontally rather than vertically give this tree a distinctive architectural appeal many admire. The live oak’s deep root system and strong stature help it to withstand the high winds that topple many other trees during hurricane season.

When most people think of the South, they immediately think of these wonderful massive live oaks festooned with Spanish moss. During much of the south’s history, live oak trees were considered to be landmarks where people gathered to socialize or conduct business from day to day. In the opening scene of the famous film “Gone with the Wind,” Scarlett O’Hara is seen flirting with bachelors under live oaks at a barbecue party.

Live Oaks have made the most perfect additions to quality homes, residential communities, golf courses, industrial and commercial parks, city beautification projects and much more. Live oak trees have even been used to commemorate special events and occasions. An amazingly durable American native the Live Oak tree can measure its lifetime in centuries if properly located and cared for in the landscape.

The Live Oak is also one of the broadest spreading of the Oaks, providing large areas of deep, inviting summertime shade. Reaching 40 to 60 feet in height with a 60 to 100 foot spread and usually possessing many sinuously curved trunks and branches. A Live Oak tree is an impressive sight for any large-scale landscape. If you are looking for a majestic landscaping tree, you will find no other with the history and strength of a live oak tree.

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