'Urban Pinnacle' Oak
Quercus macrocarpa 'Urban Pinnacle'
'Urban Pinnacle' Oak (Quercus macrocarpa 'Urban Pinnacle') is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 45–55 ft tall and 22–28 ft wide, slow-growing, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Borer susceptibility, keep tree vigorous with regular deep watering.
Photos
- Photo 1: (c) Sam Kieschnick, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 2: (c) Terry Woodward, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Terry Woodward
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–8
- 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
- 45–55 ft tall and 22–28 ft wide
- Mature form
- Rounded
- Spacing / clearance
- ~28 ft of clearance
- Growth rate
- Slow
- 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: Cold HardinessThe average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
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 'Urban Pinnacle' Oak good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, 'Urban Pinnacle' Oak is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does 'Urban Pinnacle' Oak get?
- It matures to about 45–55 ft tall and 22–28 ft wide.
- How much room does 'Urban Pinnacle' Oak need?
- Give 'Urban Pinnacle' Oak about 28 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does 'Urban Pinnacle' Oak grow into?
- 'Urban Pinnacle' 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 'Urban Pinnacle' Oak hardy on the Front Range?
- 'Urban Pinnacle' Oak is hardy in USDA 3–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range. That said, it carries a cold-hardiness caution: The average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- How much water does 'Urban Pinnacle' Oak need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- How fast does 'Urban Pinnacle' Oak grow?
- 'Urban Pinnacle' Oak is a slow-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does 'Urban Pinnacle' Oak live?
- 'Urban Pinnacle' Oak is long-lived, a multi-generational tree given good siting and care. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does 'Urban Pinnacle' Oak turn in fall?
- 'Urban Pinnacle' Oak turns bronze and red in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is 'Urban Pinnacle' Oak native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is 'Urban Pinnacle' Oak deer-resistant?
- No. 'Urban Pinnacle' Oak is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is 'Urban Pinnacle' Oak prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- 'Urban Pinnacle' 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.
