14
Jun

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Gambel Oak Fact sheet

Gambel oak is a type of scrub oak, commonly found in Franktown. It’s a large and sprawling deciduous shrub, but can also sometimes look like a small tree. You’ll often find them on the foothills of west Colorado Springs, and they have twisted branches that are strong.

It’s important to know as much as possible about them. When grown in the right places, they can help with fire mitigation and improve the nutrients of the wildlife. However, they can be invasive if in the wrong parts of town. After all, this is a great oak for drought lands, as it is tolerant of dry weather.

The Look of Gambel Oak

The gambel oak have grey barks with grooves that run deep. During the spring and summer, the green leaves have a shiny look to them, with up to five deep and irregular lobes. In the fall, those leaves turn reddish-brown or yellow and then start to fall.

There are some flowers in the spring, but you usually won’t be able to see them. In the summer, you’ll spot the acorns that grow. They’re popular trees for squirrels looking for food to last throughout the winter.

The trees can grow as high as 20ft, but some will also sit as small as 8ft. When mature, the spread can span 10 to 15ft.

Requirements for Growth

The gambel oak, like many other scrub oaks, requires very little from the land to grow tall and strong. Sun is the most important element, as the water use is very low. This is why these trees are so excellent for lands known for drought, and why the southwestern United States is the native habitat.

They’re useful during wildfires. Because they withstand the drought, they don’t lose all their inner moisture, which makes them less likely to be fuel for fire. Even when they are destroyed, they will grow back quickly, adding nutrients to the soil.

You don’t need to do much to take care of the gambel oak, making them popular choices for those who want plants without a lot of maintenance. All you’ll need to do is make sure you have the space for it.

Maintenance Tips for Gambel Oak

You’ll need to look out for any dead, damaged, dying, or diseased branches. These are the most likely to cause problems, offering fuel for fires. Make sure you keep the oak pruned and thinned to minimize the risk of damage and spread of fire. Scrub oak management occasionally might include gambel oak disease care. Give us a call if you need to remove or prune Gambel oak throughout Colorado. (719)400-9104.