Live Oak leaves are retained year-round. Leaves are thick and leathery, generally oval-shaped, and often have holly-like spines along leaf edges.

Stewardship Considerations

Identifying oak species will help determine proper pruning as species vary widely in their growth rate and pattern and mature height. A small Scrub Oak (Q. berberidifolia) or Blue Oak (Q. douglasii) might be decades old, and heavy thinning and/or improper pruning can damage an entire grove and ecosystem.

When pruning oaks, remember that “Less is More.” Oaks are generally slow-growing and long-lived trees. Larger trees grow more slowly and are less tolerant of pruning. Avoid removing large branches (over 4” diameter). If a large branch needs pruning, consider shortening rather than removing, cutting back to lateral branches 1/3–1/2 the diameter of the branch being removed. See the diagram below. No more than 25% of crown growth should be removed during the annual growing season. Excessive pruning can lead to sunburn injury and dieback.

Oaks will stump-sprout.

Avoid pruning while actively growing during the spring months. Winter and summer pruning is preferred to decrease infections introduced and spread by pruning.

Bottom left: Pruning options to shorten branches on mature oaks: consider shortening rather than removing large branches, pruning back to laterals 1/3–1/2 the diameter of the removed branch.

Bottom left center: Interior live oak (Quercus wislizeni)

Bottom center: Coastal live oak (Quercus agrifolia)

Bottom right center: Leather oak (Quercus durata)

Bottom right: This oak will likely die from pruning inside the branch collar.

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Learn more about live oak trees from the California Native Plant Society