31

NORTHERN RED OAK (Quercus rubra)
BLACK OAK (Quercus velutina)
Other names: oak, red oak, gray oak; yellow oak.

GOOD

The red oak is found from Minnesota to Maine and throughout the eastern states. Black oak occurs from southern Wisconsin and Iowa throughout the east and south. They are both in the "black oak" group and are less desirable and durable as bearing trees than are the white oaks. The trees may live to 200 years if not cut for lumber. The red oak is more resistant to decay, is straight grained and very hard when dead and dry. The wood will burn like coal and leave very little ash. 

Though slow growing trees the original blaze would be well healed on a live tree. The chance of finding a living tree after 100 years is very remote, because they were usually mature when marked. The stumps rot away leaving a large stump hole which may contain pieces of root and wood. Once begun, the decay rate is rapid. Look for second growth, or young trees to indicate the possible position of the original tree. 

Keep the blaze as small as possible, just deep enough to penetrate the thin sapwood, well drained, and near the ground. Paint thoroughly.