Identification

• Sierra oak trees grow between 40 and 60 feet tall with a 30- to 40-foot spread. They have a pyramidal form and produce smooth, glossy leaves with toothed margins and a fine texture. The leaves change to a deep red during the fall. Homeowners often plant sierra oaks as evergreen trees because they keep their foliage for most of the year, according to the Shademaker Trees website.
  
  

Considerations

• Sierra oak trees are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 10. They are fast growing, and they prefer full sunlight or light shade. They are tolerant of drought, cold, heat, alkaline soils, urban conditions and pests. They are also resistant to oak wilt.
  
  

Recommendations

• The Shademaker Trees website recommends planting sierra oak trees as shade trees for small residential areas or as specimens. Growers commonly plant sierra oaks in South Texas, but they grow well in all areas of the state.