{"product_id":"post-oak-tree","title":"Post Oak Tree","description":"\u003ch1 data-path-to-node=\"0\"\u003ePost Oak (Quercus stellata)\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"1\"\u003eThe Post Oak is the ultimate symbol of rugged endurance, native strength, and timeless American landscape heritage. A prominent member of the white oak family, this slow-growing, long-lived giant is named for its historically rot-resistant wood, which early pioneers relied on to build sturdy fence posts. It is easily recognized by its distinctively shaped, dark green leaves that form the unmistakable silhouette of a Maltese cross.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003eOver time, the Post Oak develops a rugged, deeply furrowed bark and a massive, gnarled canopy that provides unparalleled shade. Built to conquer the harshest conditions, this tree shrugs off intense heat, poor soils, and severe droughts, making it a legacy planting that will stand strong for centuries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003eThe Ecological Footprint\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eWildlife Sanctuary:\u003c\/b\u003e Produces a heavy crop of sweet, low-tannin acorns that serve as a crucial autumn food source for wild turkeys, deer, squirrels, and native birds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eCanopy Power:\u003c\/b\u003e Develops a broad, dense crown that acts as a natural cooling station, significantly reducing ambient ground temperatures during scorching summer months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSoil Anchor:\u003c\/b\u003e Features a massive, deep taproot and an extensive root system that provides exceptional soil stabilization and erosion control.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eHabitat Hero:\u003c\/b\u003e Acts as a vital host plant for hundreds of native butterfly and moth species, enriching the local backyard biodiversity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003eThe Honest Harvest (What to Expect)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"6,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eThe Perks:\u003c\/b\u003e Virtually indestructible once established, highly resistant to pests and diseases, exceptional drought tolerance, and built with storm-resistant wood that withstands high winds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"6,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eThe Caveats:\u003c\/b\u003e Grows at a slow pace, meaning it requires patience to reach its full shade potential. It develops a deep taproot almost immediately, making it highly sensitive to being moved or having the soil compacted around its root zone after planting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/b\u003e Quercus stellata\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eCommon Names:\u003c\/b\u003e Post Oak, Iron Oak\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eMature Height:\u003c\/b\u003e 40–50 feet (can reach up to 75 feet in ideal conditions)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eMature Width:\u003c\/b\u003e 40–60 feet\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,4,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,4,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eGrowth Rate:\u003c\/b\u003e Slow (10–12 inches per year)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,5,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,5,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/b\u003e 200–300+ years\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,6,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,6,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eUSDA Zones:\u003c\/b\u003e 5–9\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,7,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,7,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eChill Hours:\u003c\/b\u003e *\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,7,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,7,0\" data-index-in-node=\"15\"\u003eSun Preference:\u003c\/b\u003e Full sun\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,8,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,8,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSoil Type:\u003c\/b\u003e Thrives in dry, sandy, rocky, or gravelly soils; tolerates heavy clay if well-drained\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,9,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,9,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSoil pH:\u003c\/b\u003e Acidic to neutral (5.0–7.0)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,10,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,10,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eWater Needs:\u003c\/b\u003e Low to moderate; highly drought-tolerant once established\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,11,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,11,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFlower Color:\u003c\/b\u003e Inconspicuous yellow-green catkins; spring\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,12,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,12,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFruit Type:\u003c\/b\u003e Small, oval acorns encased in a cap\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,13,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,13,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003ePollinators:\u003c\/b\u003e *\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,13,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,13,0\" data-index-in-node=\"15\"\u003eGrowth Habit:\u003c\/b\u003e Rounded, dense, and spreading canopy with gnarled branching\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,14,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,14,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSpacing:\u003c\/b\u003e 40–50 feet apart\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,15,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,15,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eLandscape Uses:\u003c\/b\u003e Specimen tree, shade tree, native restoration, windbreaks\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,16,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,16,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eMaintenance Level:\u003c\/b\u003e Low\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003ePlanting \u0026amp; Care Guide\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eHydration:\u003c\/b\u003e Give the root ball a thorough soaking before and immediately after planting to eliminate any underground air pockets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSiting:\u003c\/b\u003e Choose your permanent location carefully. Because of its sensitive and aggressive taproot, the Post Oak does not tolerate being transplanted once it takes hold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eMulching:\u003c\/b\u003e Apply a 2-to-3-inch layer of organic mulch over the root zone to conserve moisture and keep lawn mowers away from the trunk, ensuring the mulch does not touch the bark.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eEstablishment:\u003c\/b\u003e Water deeply once a week during its first one to two growing seasons. Once the root system is established, it can rely almost entirely on natural rainfall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,4,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,4,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003ePruning:\u003c\/b\u003e Requires very little maintenance. Restrict pruning to the winter dormant season to prevent sap bleeding, focusing only on removing dead, damaged, or structurally weak branches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,5,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,5,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFertilization:\u003c\/b\u003e Skip the chemical fertilizers. Post Oaks are specifically adapted to nutrient-poor soils and can actually be harmed by excessive nitrogen or artificial growth boosters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"ATM Gardens","offers":[{"title":"1-2ft","offer_id":51439513174311,"sku":"ST02T1","price":41.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0988\/9094\/0711\/files\/PostOak4.jpg?v=1779931873","url":"https:\/\/atmgardens.com\/products\/post-oak-tree","provider":"ATM Gardens","version":"1.0","type":"link"}