WINTER BLOG 2023 : THE OAK TREE
The Oak tree
The second most common tree that grows in the UK.
All Oak trees will grow a minimum (at least) to 200 years old. Some have been known to survive for thousands of years.
An Oak tree from 400 years onwards is classed as an ancient tree
There are estimated 121 million Oak trees in UK alone.
An Oak tree is cherished around the world. Considered a symbol of wisdom, strength and endurance.
Oak trees grow to 40 metres tall and estimated to grow 50cm each year. Their roots will grow to the same size as their height and width.
Oak is a strong and durable hardwood. Oak has good water resistance and highly durable to wear.
Commonly used for furniture, joinery, flooring, panelling, decking and veneers.
The Major Oak
The Major Oak is the largest Oak tree in Britain. They believe the tree is between 800 to 1000 years old. Estimated at 23 tonnes and 10 metres diameter. The branches/canopy reaching 28 metres.
The Major Oak is in the Sherwood Forest National Nature reserve in Nottinghamshire.
Do you have an Oak tree in your local park or street?
To identify an Oak tree, you can use the illustration below of a leaf.
Illustration from The Observer's book of
trees and shrubs
Welcome to my new blog series!!
Check out my next Spring blog in April/May
by Anna Nichols
Following Anna in her design studio, workshop and at local sawmills selecting timber
