Project Master Plan

Getting personal with a massive Red Oak on one of our new project sites

Project Master Plan

This diam. of this massive red oak tree (Quercus rubra), located on one of our new project sites in Far Hills, NJ, easily exceeds 60”. The tree sits at the base of a large hill and has been doing so for more than 250 years. Most trees of this size have experienced a lightening strike or 2 and would have obvious signs of damage or injury. Surprisingly, the overall form and branching structure of this tree is in tact and healthy, with no sign of rotted or damaged wood whatsoever.

BTW the mysterious figure at the base of the tree (right) is none other than our own Larry Butynski (see next image).

Northern Red Oak typically grows at a moderate-to-fast rate to a height of 50-75′ (often larger in the wild). Dark, lustrous green leaves (grayish-white beneath) with 7-11, toothed lobes which are sharply pointed at the tips. Leaves turn brownish-red in autumn.   A New Jersey native tree that typically occurs in northern- and eastern-facing wooded slopes throughout the State.

An abundant crop of acorns may not occur before this tree reaches 40 years old.

View more of our projects.