Why it rocks:
Beacon® Oak is an intriguing choice for any Chicagoland landscape. Sometimes referred to as Bonnie and Mike Swamp White Oak, this tree is named for the duo who discovered it thriving in the Shenandoah Valley in 2007: Bonnie and her husband, Dr. Michael Dirr. This tree stems from its dependable, native parent, the Swamp White Oak, and because of this, Beacon® Oak is built tough! This versatile tree is suitable for urban areas and cozy small spaces alike. In spring, this tree unfurls large, dark green, glossy leaves with a soft, light sage-green underside. Beacon® Oak embellishes the landscape with its upright, narrow canopy, becoming a striking vertical design element with its strong, sturdy branches that support its tall mature height. Beacon® Oak provides not only beauty and captivates the senses, but it also provides shade and screening for your outdoor areas. As the seasons change, its dark green leaves become a warm sunny yellow before fading to a soft fawn brown.
Where to put it:
Beacon® Oak is a "street smart" tree that's useful in tough urban environments. This trusty columnar oak is ideal for city parkways and boulevards due to its adaptability and narrow form. You can plant Beacon® Oak along streets, in landscape beds around your home, as an accent to back patios, or to provide additional screening for fences, decks, and pools. This tree can be planted individually as a standout feature in the landscape or in groupings. For effective screening, plant in either straight or staggered rows. Or, for a more natural look, consider planting Beacon® Oak in odd-numbered groupings. This tree will grow to be about 15 feet wide and should be planted about 7 to 8 feet away from any nearby structures. This will allow it to reach its full striking upright form.
What it needs:
Beacon® Oak is versatile and thrives in a range of soil conditions, including compacted and alkaline soils, making it an excellent choice for challenging urban environments. This tree prefers full sunlight. It has a slender growth habit and requires minimal maintenance; however, you can prune and shape it as it matures, according to your preferences. Please follow our tree care instructions for the first few growing seasons until the tree's roots are well established.
| Botanical Name: | Quercus bicolor 'Bonnie and Mike' |
|---|---|
| Hardiness Zone: | 4 |
| Tree Type: | Shade |
| Size Range: | Medium Tree (25-40 feet) |
| Mature Height: | 40' |
| Mature Spread: | 15' |
| Shape: | Columnar |
| Foliage Color: | Dark Green |
| Fall Color: | Yellow/Gold |
| Flower Color: | Yellow-green Catkin |
| Decorative Fruit: | Light-brown Acorn |
| Landscape Uses: | Accent | Shade | Parkway/Street | Privacy & Screening |
| Growth Rate: | Moderate |
| Plant Tolerance: | Very Adaptable |
| Standout Feature: | Narrow form, Urban tolerance |
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View full detailsRight now, we deliver and install trees in select counties across Illinois and Indiana but we’re always growing (pun intended)!
If your county isn’t on our list yet, don’t worry—we might still be able to help! Depending on your location, a minimum tree order or a small delivery fee might apply.
Have questions or live just outside our area? Give us a shout! We’d love to see if we can bring some trees your way!
We proudly deliver and plant trees across a wide range of communities in Illinois — and this is just a glimpse!
Chicago, Hyde Park, Oak Park, Evergreen Park
Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Lake Forest, Highland Park, Deerfield
Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Schaumburg, Park Ridge, Des Plaines, Lincolnshire
Naperville, Glenview, Wheaton, Oak Brook, Hinsdale, Downers Grove, Elmhurst
Frankfort, Orland Park, Joliet
Aurora, St. Charles, Burr Ridge
Lake, Porter, Newton, Jasper
