Is this an Oak tree?

   / Is this an Oak tree? #1  

dodge man

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This tree got topped out when I much larger tree fell on it. I’ll cut it down and split it for firewood if it’s a decent tree for it. I think it’s some kind of oak but am not sure.
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   / Is this an Oak tree? #3  
I wouldn't know which subspecies, but it is an oak of some type. Not all oaks have that leaf shape, but I believe only oaks have that shape.
 
   / Is this an Oak tree?
  • Thread Starter
#5  
I agree, white oak. I think what made me question it was the few leaves left on the tree are big, bigger than your hand.
 
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   / Is this an Oak tree? #6  
It's a white oak... without meaning no disrespect, the way I learned; Indians (or Red Men) used arrows to hunt, thus Pointy tips of the leaves were Red Oaks family; White men used bullets, which are round tips, thus rounded lobes on the ends of the leaves are of the White Oaks family.

There are so many species of oak but they are split into these two categories. White oaks have closed cells in there wood whereas Red oak are open cell. White oak is what you want to make boats out of (not Red Oak!) Red oak rots faster...
 
   / Is this an Oak tree?
  • Thread Starter
#7  
I have Shingle Oaks to, which the leaves don’t look like oak leaves at all. I’m terrible at tree identification.
 
   / Is this an Oak tree? #10  
I agree, white oak. I think what made me question it was the few leaves left on the tree are big, bigger than your hand.

Those look like shade leaves. Some plants grow larger leaves on the parts that are in deep shade.
 
   / Is this an Oak tree? #12  
It probably is putting out bigger leaves because the top was broken off. The root system developed to feed the entire tree is now supplying the same nutrients to a small portion of it.
 
   / Is this an Oak tree? #15  
This is a reputable tree identification guide: Forest Trees of Maine: Handbooks & Guides: Publications: Division of Forestry: Maine ACF

It has a section on oaks and covers some great species, but bear in mind, it's not all encompassing as it is a regional guide, and oaks in general are legion. (There are over 500 species of oaks around the world, according to the word on the street.)

I have the book and there's much to like about it (it's very nifty in the field). I just now realised there is the website also. Nice!
 
   / Is this an Oak tree? #18  
Those thick leaves indicate it could be one of the live oak species (of which there are dozens). Does it drop leaves in the winter?
Only a few, mostly remains green. I've got a few of these in the backyard in the city. Poor choice in town, imho.
 
   / Is this an Oak tree? #19  
Only a few, mostly remains green. I've got a few of these in the backyard in the city. Poor choice in town, imho.
So it is one of the live oak species. They are tough and long lived.
 
   / Is this an Oak tree? #20  
Yes, Live Oak. Don't know which variety. Came with the house.

Oak trees without oak leaves. Haha.

We have deciduous oaks in front. Now I'm curious about which. There are also some mighty ones among my pines. Fairly certain they are all 'white' oaks.
 

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