There are over 450 species of oak around the world. Oak grows in every form: as a tree, as a bush, and as a scrub. The state of Maryland alone boasts some twenty species of oak, with even more hybrids existing.

Our state tree is an oak called the Wye Oak. The Wye Oak, which is actually a white oak tree, Quercus alba, is located in the town of Wye Mills on the Eastern Shore.

Not only is the Wye Oak the largest oak in Maryland, it is the largest oak on record in the United States. The tree's trunk measures 31 feet 2 inches in diameter. It is 79 feet tall and has a crown spread of 102 feet.

For identification purposes, oaks are typically divided into two broad categories: the white oaks and the black oaks. Classification into one group or another is based on leaf form. White oak leaves have rounded edges, while black oak leaves are pointed. The live oaks, oaks that have evergreen leaves, are included in the black oak group.

Acorns can be used as an identification tool also. The white oak acorns stay on the tree for only one season. They fall to the ground in autumn and germinate right away. The black oak acorns persist on the tree for two years. When they fall, they wait until the following spring to germinate.

Oaks are important to wildlife. In Maryland oaks grow in abundance, are widely distributed, and produce great numbers of acorns nearly every year. Many animals depend on acorns for food, including the deer, black bear, raccoon, squirrels, rabbit, opossum, wood duck, wild turkey, ruffed grouse, quail, grackles, blue jay, nuthatch, titmouse and woodpeckers.

Over 50% of the trees in Maryland's forests are oak, yet oak rarely grows in pure stands. Oak trees are usually mixed with hickory or pine.

Creating new forests of oaks after a harvest is a bit more tricky than the natural regeneration of some other species. One common forest management technique used to encourage the growth of young oaks is called the shelterwood method. This method involves a gradual removal of mature trees in a woodlot while nurturing oaks to become established.

The shelterwood method for oak requires at least three partial harvests which take place over a period of 10-20 years. The first cut is a preparatory cut which removes inferior trees allowing space for select mature oak trees to grow. Three to 10 years later it is time for the second step, the seed cut. The seed cut removes all trees but the very best oak trees.

Acorns on the ground soon sprout in abundance because they now get enough sunlight, yet are still sufficiently sheltered. The site is not ideal for many aggressive species which typically need more sunlight.

The final step is the removal cut. The remaining large oaks are cut leaving only the newly established saplings. The large trees are removed only once the young oaks are about waist high and well established.

Oak lumber is highly prized and fetches a good price. By following forestry practices, such as the shelterwood method, landowners can harvest their oak forests and prepare new oak forests for future generations.

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Patrice Jastrzembski writes Maryland Forests for the Maryland Forests Association. For more information contact: MFA P.O. Box 599 Grantsville, MD 21536 (301)895-5369. or e-mail them at mdforests@hereintown.net

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