Sawtooth Oak
Quercus acutissima
Sawtooth Oak (Quercus acutissima) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Conditionally Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 40–60 ft tall and 40–60 ft wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun.
low to medium water40–60 ft tall and 40–60 ft wideXeric / water-wise
Photos
- Photo 1: (c) G. Gerben, some rights reserved (CC BY-ND), uploaded by G. Gerben
- Photo 2: (c) Bruce Kirchoff, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 3: (c) mami_t_t, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by mami_t_t
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 40–60 ft tall and 40–60 ft wide
- Mature form
- Rounded
- Spacing / clearance
- ~60 ft of clearance
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Long-lived
What it looks like, and when
- Fall color
- Bronze, red
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Soil ChemistryOur alkaline clay locks up iron for this one, so leaves often yellow between green veins and growth stalls unless you treat it.
- Critical: Soil TextureThe catch is drainage, not the dirt itself; it takes our clay only where water moves through, so avoid low spots and soggy ground.
Common problems on the Front Range
No major pest or disease problems are commonly reported for this plant on the Front Range. Keep it well sited and watered, and watch for the usual stress-driven issues in drought or heat.
Planting & establishment
Water deeply every 7–10 days through the first 2 summers. Winter water 1–2×/month October–March when soil is dry and unfrozen, winter desiccation is a top killer of newly-planted trees. Year 3: taper to 2×/month in summer, then rely on natural precipitation.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Sawtooth Oak good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Sawtooth Oak is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Conditionally Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- Why is Sawtooth Oak only conditionally recommended on the Front Range?
- The main catches here: Our alkaline clay locks up iron for this one, so leaves often yellow between green veins and growth stalls unless you treat it. The catch is drainage, not the dirt itself; it takes our clay only where water moves through, so avoid low spots and soggy ground.
- How big does Sawtooth Oak get?
- It matures to about 40–60 ft tall and 40–60 ft wide.
- How much room does Sawtooth Oak need?
- Give Sawtooth Oak about 60 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Sawtooth Oak grow into?
- Sawtooth Oak typically grows into a broad, rounded crown, the classic shade-tree silhouette. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Sawtooth Oak hardy on the Front Range?
- Sawtooth Oak is hardy in USDA 4–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Sawtooth Oak need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- How fast does Sawtooth Oak grow?
- Sawtooth Oak is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Sawtooth Oak live?
- Sawtooth Oak is long-lived, a multi-generational tree given good siting and care. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does Sawtooth Oak turn in fall?
- Sawtooth Oak turns bronze and red in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Sawtooth Oak native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Sawtooth Oak deer-resistant?
- No. Sawtooth Oak is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Sawtooth Oak prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Sawtooth Oak has no major pest or disease problems commonly reported on the Front Range. Keep it well sited and watered, and watch for stress-driven issues in drought or heat.
