Over about 56 million years, oaks have evolved into roughly 435 species that grow on five continents, about 90 of which are found in North America. A keystone species, they support more life-forms than any other North American tree genus including fungi, insects, birds and mammals. They can be incredibly long-lived.
Oaks are a symbol of strength and endurance. An oak can soak up 50 gallons of water in one day. This means oaks can play an important role in flood-control efforts. Only one acorn in 10,000 will grow into a tree.
Renowned in history and legend, oak trees symbolise royalty, patriotism and strength. But perhaps their greatest feat is nurturing wildlife. They are a haven for a colossal 2,300 wildlife species, providing vital spaces to eat, shelter and breed.
White and red oak planks are known for their durability. Oak's resistance to decay and moisture makes it the preferred choice for areas where water is likely present. These features allow oak to be used extensively in projects like building frames, tables, barrels, flooring, decking, etc.
Oak trees are ecosystem heroes.
Oaks have an essential role in the ecosystem, providing food and habitat for many animals. No other genus of plants comes close to supporting the number of species that oaks do! Because of their foundational role in local food webs, oak trees are called keystone species.
The ancient Hebrews considered the oak sacred because it was under an oak that Abraham gave hospitality to God and two of his angels, who were disguised as travellers. This story is told in Genesis 18; and is one of 60 references to oak in the Bible. The early Gauls worshipped oak as a symbol of their supreme God.
Oaks Provide Food for Wildlife
Many species of insects feed on oak leaves, with several species of moth larvae feeding on nothing but the leaves of oaks. Many predatory spiders take advantage of the diversity of insects attracted to oak leaves by residing in these trees and feeding on these other insects.
Oak symbolises strength, endurance, power and ancient wisdom. The oak tree's strong roots penetrate deeply into the earth, anchoring it firmly in place. Like the backbone of the earth, its trunk rises tall and proud, branching out into a canopy of leaves that provide shelter and protection to all those beneath it.
Oak wood is not as easy to polish as fine-grain wood. It is also very heavy so it is very difficult to make a contemporary piece of furniture. Oak wood is also very difficult to cut and prone to cracking if not handled properly. If the oak wood is not completely cleaned, the furniture may shrink and turn into cracks.
Oak wood symbolizes courage, strength and perseverance. All of these qualities are essential for success in careers. The oak tree is well-known as the most powerful tree on earth.
How long do oak trees live? Oak trees can live for over 1,000 years; however, a more normal age would be around 600 years. It is said that an oak spends 300 years growing, 300 years living and 300 years in slow decline.
The moral of “The Oak Tree and The Reeds” is that “sometimes it's wiser to be flexible in the face of life's challenges than stubbornly resisting and refusing to yield when it's the better choice.” The Oak tree, despite being so strong, broke into two pieces by the wind.
One story has it that the Navy chose oak leaf braid as a tribute to the oak lumber used to build its ships. While that is a good story it ignores the fact that some British and French officers also wore braid with oak leaves and still do today.
Over about 56 million years, oaks have evolved into roughly 435 species that grow on five continents, about 90 of which are found in North America. A keystone species, they support more life-forms than any other North American tree genus including fungi, insects, birds and mammals. They can be incredibly long-lived.
The Great Oak is over 1,000 years old, making it one of the oldest living oak trees in the Western United States. The Great Oak is located in an area once known as Great Oak Ranch. It was located just outside the borders of the reservation land granted to the Pechanga people in 1882.
Oak trees are used to make furniture and flooring, railroad ties and mine timbers, and even the barrels in which many wines and spirits are aged. People have relied on the unique qualities that oaks offer for hundreds of years, and they're still doing so today.
On average though, hard maples have higher scores than oaks – making them even more resilient. Grain patterns: Oak's grain patterns are more pronounced, giving it a rustic appearance. Maple, on the other hand, has subtle grains that contribute to its clean and modern look.
Oak is a naturally rot and insect resistant timber, there are no chemicals added to the timber in the process, it achieves up to 25 years resistance to rot when in the ground and over 100 years when kept above the ground.
In short, the aging of wood, unlike that of cheese, does not make it better. Nor does it improve its strength. It is still possible that old wood joists may in fact be significantly stronger than they were on the day they were installed, because wood does gain strength as it dries.
The word properly means strongly, mighty, and hence a strong tree. 'Elah, Genesis 35:4 , "under the oak which was by Shechem" (RSV marg., "terebinth").
The Baobab Tree: Africa's Iconic "Tree of Life" The majestic baobab tree is an icon of the African continent and lies at the heart of many traditional African remedies and folklore. The baobab is a prehistoric species which predates both mankind and the splitting of the continents over 200 million years ago.
When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure. Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut, that held its ground. Storms make the oak grow deeper roots.
Oakwood is wood cut from oak trees and known for its robust strength, uniform textures and beautiful grain in its bark. Oakwood is classified as hardwood with more than 600 species available in nature. Red oak and white oak are the most preferred ones for most woodworking projects.
Known in the trade as 'poor mans' oak' the other differences you'll notice between Oak and Idigbo (other than cost) is the weight of the timber – hold a piece of Idigbo in one hand and a piece of Oak in the other and there is a noticeable difference in weight, the Idigbo being far lighter.
We can calculate the age of the white oak if we know its circumference and growth factor. The circumference of a white oak has to be 100 feet for it to be 159 years old.