Bur Oak

Bur oak is a large, durable shade tree valued for its massive canopy, strong structure, and exceptional tolerance to heat, cold, and drought. Well-suited to Colorado landscapes, it is a long-lived tree that provides deep shade and long-term stability when given adequate space to grow.

• Mature Size: 60–80 ft tall | 60–80 ft wide
• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
• Form: Broad, spreading canopy with strong structure
• Fall Color: Yellow to yellow-brown
• Lifespan: 200+ years under good conditions

Extremely tolerant of drought, wind, and cold

Handles alkaline and clay soils better than most oaks

Very strong wood and branch structure

Long-lived, resilient shade tree once established

• Full sun required for proper development
• Needs significant space for mature canopy
• Slow establishment; requires patience early on
• Deep, infrequent watering encourages deep rooting

• Leaf scorch during extreme drought when young
• Minor chlorosis possible in very high-pH soils
• Generally low pest and disease pressure

• Large residential properties and acreage
• Parks, open spaces, and estates
• Windy, exposed Front Range sites
• Long-term legacy shade tree plantings