Lawn Guardian

Live Oak Care Guide

Quercus virginiana

treeZones 7–10native

Iconic spreading evergreen oak of the coastal Southeast. Massive horizontal branches draped with Spanish moss create cathedral-like canopies. Extremely wind-resistant.

At a glance

Season-by-season care

Spring

Leaf exchange cleanup March-April

Live oaks drop old leaves in spring as new ones emerge. Rake and compost fallen leaves.

Summer

Prune for structure Summer months

Summer is safe to prune live oaks. Remove dead wood and improve clearance over walkways and drives.

Fall

Acorn cleanup if desired Fall

Rake acorns from walkways and drives. Consider leaving some for wildlife.

Ecological value

Keystone species of coastal ecosystems. Acorns feed deer, turkeys, and dozens of bird species. Supports hundreds of caterpillar species. Can live 200-500+ years.

Never miss a live oak care window again

Lawn Guardian turns this guidance into a schedule timed to your USDA zone and this week's actual weather — and adapts every time you log what you've done.

Get your free plan

Related plants

Sources: Purdue University Turfgrass Science: Use Growing Degree Days to Better Time Your Applications · University of Missouri Extension: Cool-Season Grasses: Lawn Maintenance Calendar · University of Minnesota Extension: Pre-emergent Herbicides for Crabgrass Control in Lawns