Sawtooth Oak Tree

Quercus acutissima

$69⁷⁶

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Understanding Plant Options

Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:

Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements

Container Plant Sizes

Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.

Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
2" x 2" x 3"	0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts	0.20 - 0.23 dry liters
4" Container	0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts	0.35 - 0.96 dry liters
4.5" Container	0.65 dry quarts	0.72 dry liters
6" Container	1.4 dry quarts	1.59 dry liters
1 Quart	1 dry quart	1.1 dry liters
5.5" Container	1.89 dry quarts	2.08 dry liters

Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
2 Quart	2 dry quarts	2.2 dry liters
#1 Container	2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts	2.49 - 4.11 dry liters
5" x 5" x 12"	3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts	3.85 - 4.74 dry liters

Mature Plants (2-4 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
#2 Container	1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons	5.24 - 7.75 dry liters
#3 Container	2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons	8.14 - 12.16 dry liters

Large Plants (3-5 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
#5 Container	2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons	12.86 - 20.35 dry liters
#6 Container	5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons	23.12 - 26.42 dry liters
#7 Container	5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons	26.34 - 28.76 dry liters

Bare Root Plants

Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.

Common Sizes:

Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet

Important Notes

Container Volume Specifications

Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents

Growing Conditions

Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment

Seasonal Availability

Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
Container plants are available throughout the growing season
Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes

Questions?

For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.

Plant Highlights

Sawtooth Oak Tree highlights at a glance!

Brand

Nature Hills' Choice
Botanical Name

Quercus acutissima
Growing Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Mature Height

40 - 60 feet
Mature Spread

50 - 60 feet
Sun Exposure

Full Sun
Moisture

Moderate
Soil

Well Drained
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color
- Green
Fall Color

Yellow
Pollinator Friendly

Yes
Pruning Time

Late Winter
Bloom Period

Early Spring, Late Spring

Growing Zones 5-9

Find Your Growing Zone!

Maximize your property with the rugged beauty and utility of the renowned Sawtooth Oak Tree (Quercus acutissima)! This precocious selection grows quickly as a young tree, and starts producing an oval-shaped acorn mast very early in life.

Unique leathery leaves give the Sawtooth its name. Long, lustrous, and serrated … Sawtooth foliage starts spring bright yellow. Young trees grow quickly when young and form a full, yet pyramidal shape. Over time, the Sawtooth Oak tree takes on a rounded canopy as it reaches maturity.

Over the summer, the leaves turn dark green and provide a shaded spot for birds to shelter. As temperatures dip, the golden-yellow fall color brings another feature to your landscape. Hardy throughout USDA planting zones 5-9, these are wildly adaptable trees that have naturalized here in the US!

Landscape Application:

Impressive shade trees in their own right, a Sawtooth Oak in your large front or backyard becomes an outdoor garden room on its own! Its wide limbs spread and cast cooling shade over large areas, so set up your seating areas and outdoor dining rooms beneath them.

Oaks also bring game birds like turkey and quail. Include Sawtooth Oak as a special species in a mixed planting. We're pleased to offer these high-impact trees to include in your diverse plantings. Deer adores the acorns, and Sawtooth Oak starts delivering quickly.

Create a wildlife sanctuary or food forest by creating groves Plant them 20 feet apart on center, measuring from the center of one to the center of the next. Sawtooth is a native of Asia but has been widely planted and enjoyed in the United States for nearly 150 years.

Attractive Canopy Full of Distinctive Toothed Leaves
New Leaves Emerge Brilliant Yellow
Lustrous, Dark Green in Summer
Golden-Yellow Fall Color
Foliage Holds All Winter - Easy Clean Up In Spring
Grows Quickly When Young
Wildlife Tree & Perfect Choice in Food Forests
Starts Producing Large, Desirable Acorns Early
Wonderful Shade Tree

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Plant your Oak tree in an area where it will get full sun all day, from the first day until its 100th year. During the first season, pay close attention to watering. Use the finger test and poke down into the soil near the roots. Protect your investment with a consistent watering schedule until your tree is established, then after the roots are established in your soil, you can periodically saturate the whole area to encourage deep roots.

Fertilize in spring with a formula for trees or a good general slow-release formula. Follow application rates on the label. Prune in late winter while your tree is dormant. Correct the branch structure while your tree is young for best results.

Easy-Care Full Sun Trees
Well-Drained Soil - Widely Adaptable
Moderate Moisture - Tolerates Low & High Moisture Environments
Prune When Dormant
Near Yearly Mast Production - Acorns Drop in Early Season

We sell well-rooted growing trees that will have a head start in your landscape! So hurry and order your own Sawtooth Oak Tree for you and your wildlife today at NatureHills.com!

Happy

I was so surprised at how quickly it arrived and I was surprised at how pretty and healthy it was and it was taller than I expected. However, once it was planted it did go into shock coming from one environment into another. I looked it up and the website did say a tree can go into shock and the leaves will turn brown and curl but to continue to water it and as long as the limbs are flexible the tree is still alive. So I continued to water it daily and after loosing all of its leaves it is beginning to make new buds of leaves and I am thrilled and looking forward to seeing it fill out with leaves. So, if this happens to you don't assume the tree is dead, just keep watering and checking the limbs to see if they are still flexible.

Hello Ronda,

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughtful and encouraging experience with your Sawtooth Oak Tree! We’re delighted to hear that it arrived healthy and taller than expected—that’s always wonderful news. You did a fantastic job recognizing the signs of transplant shock and caring for your tree with patience and attention. It’s great to know the detailed information on our site about transplant shock helped guide you through this stage.

As you’ve discovered, continuing to water and gently checking the flexibility of branches are key steps for the tree to bounce back. In addition to watering, just be mindful to avoid overwatering, as soggy roots can be a concern. If you ever notice signs of pests or other stress, don’t hesitate to reach out -- the earlier you catch any issues, the better. Also, good mulch around the base can help regulate soil moisture and temperature, improving overall health.

We are thrilled your oak tree is starting to leaf out again and can’t wait for it to fill your landscape with beauty and shade. Please keep us posted on its progress or if you have any questions along the way. Cultivating lasting growth often takes time, patience, and a little encouragement—something you have in abundance!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Happy

I was so surprised at how quickly it arrived and I was surprised at how pretty and healthy it was and it was taller than I expected. However, once it was planted it did go into shock coming from one environment into another. I looked it up and the website did say a tree can go into shock and the leaves will turn brown and curl but to continue to water it and as long as the limbs are flexible the tree is still alive. So I continued to water it daily and after loosing all of its leaves it is beginning to make new buds of leaves and I am thrilled and looking forward to seeing it fill out with leaves. So, if this happens to you don't assume the tree is dead, just keep watering and checking the limbs to see if they are still flexible.

Hi Ronda,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your Sawtooth Oak Tree! We’re delighted to hear that it arrived quickly and in such healthy, beautiful condition—and that it even turned out taller than expected. It’s wonderful that you recognized the signs of transplant shock and gave your tree the time and care it needed to bounce back. Your insightful advice about watching limb flexibility and continuing to water truly captures the resilience of trees undergoing adjustment, and it’s fantastic that your oak is now budding a new set of leaves. For ongoing success, be sure to keep monitoring soil moisture—oaks prefer deep watering less frequently rather than shallow waterings—and consider mulching around the base to help retain moisture and regulate temperature.

If you ever want to learn more about caring for your grown Sawtooth Oak, feel free to visit our care guides or reach out anytime—we’re always here to help your oak thrive.

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Amazing tree

I planted one sawtooth in my front yard in March 06. For nearly three months I thought it was dead, since there had not been any sign of growth. It started about 26 inches in height. In July, the bloom began. It is still growing. It is more than 63 inches tall with a beautiful spread, and the base has doubled already. Cant wait to see what next year brings. I will be ordering five more.

Hi Paulie V.,

Thank you so much for sharing your Sawtooth Oak’s incredible journey with us! It’s wonderful to hear how patiently you’ve watched its progress from those early quiet months to the impressive height and growth it shows now. Sawtooth Oaks can indeed take some time to settle in, but once established, they’re magnificent, vigorous trees—your enthusiasm and care have clearly paid off!

As you get ready to order five more, we recommend planting them in well-drained soil with plenty of room to grow, and giving them seasonal watering to help young roots develop strong and deep. If you haven’t already, feel free to check out our care guides for Sawtooth Oaks on NatureHills.com—you’ll find great tips on mulching and pruning for healthy growth and a thriving canopy.

We’re excited for you to watch your growing front yard — thanks again for trusting us with your trees!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Sawtooth Oak Tree

I have 2 huge sawtooth oaks in my back yard & how I regret ever allowing these type of trees to grow in my yard. They started out as sticks and I had no way of knowing at the time what grief they would cause me in the future. I did not plant these trees they were planted when the house was built by the landscaping company. They are now 26 years old and produce tons of acorns each year , wormy type foliage in the springs and unbelievable amounts of leaves in the late fall to rake. These trees will work you to death! They are now growing over the top of the house and will cost me around $3,000.00 to have them cut down. They are perfect for forest trees but believe me they are now for a normal yard....keep in mind they are a great shade but when you consider all the work they cause you pick another type of oak that does not produce acorns.

Dear Sharon,

Thank you so much for sharing your honest experience with your Sawtooth Oak trees. We truly appreciate you taking the time to provide such thoughtful feedback. It sounds like those beautiful giants have certainly made a big impact on your yard over the years!

You brought up excellent points — the prolific acorn drop, spring foliage issues, and the considerable amount of leaf debris can indeed be quite challenging, especially with mature trees growing so close to the house. Sawtooth Oaks do offer great shade and vibrancy, but they’re definitely better suited for larger, less confined spaces.

If you’re considering your options moving forward, we recommend consulting a certified arborist who might help safely trim or thin the canopy to reduce overgrowth and syndrom scattered foliage problems rather than full removal. If removal is necessary, please remember that repurposing the well-seasoned lumber or scattered acorns can help reduce waste.

For a lower-maintenance oak, you might explore our collection of native oaks that produce fewer acorns and less leaf litter— species like the Red Oak variety might provide shade and beauty with gentler maintenance. We’re always here to advise on suitable alternatives!

Thanks again for being part of the Nature Hills community and passing along your valuable insight — your candid review will certainly help other tree lovers plan better!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Sawtooth Oak Tree

I have 2 huge sawtooth oaks in my back yard & how I regret ever allowing these type of trees to grow in my yard. They started out as sticks and I had no way of knowing at the time what grief they would cause me in the future. I did not plant these trees they were planted when the house was built by the landscaping company. They are now 26 years old and produce tons of acorns each year , wormy type foliage in the springs and unbelievable amounts of leaves in the late fall to rake. These trees will work you to death! They are now growing over the top of the house and will cost me around $3,000.00 to have them cut down. They are perfect for forest trees but believe me they are now for a normal yard....keep in mind they are a great shade but when you consider all the work they cause you pick another type of oak that does not produce acorns.

Hi Sharon,

Thank you so much for sharing your honest and thoughtful experience with your Sawtooth Oak trees. We truly appreciate hearing from customers like you who provide real-life insights about a plant’s long-term impact. It sounds like these majestic trees have certainly been a mixed blessing—offering great shade but also a significant amount of maintenance.

Your point about the acorns, spring foliage issues, and heavy leaf drop is totally valid, especially given their proximity to your home and the big costs involved with trimming or removal. For others considering oaks for their yard, exploring species with less aggressive seed and leaf drop or smaller growth habits can definitely save a lot of future frustration. We’d be happy to recommend low-maintenance tree varieties that offer beautiful shade but fewer clean-up concerns if you ever want some ideas on replanting or landscaping alternatives.

In the meantime, if you choose to keep your Sawtooth Oaks, regular clean-up routines, installing leaf mats, and consulting a trusted arborist who can help manage the canopy might lessen the workload. Additionally, mulch from collected leaves can be recycled organically in your garden to make the season’s clean-up a bit more worthwhile.

Thanks again, Sharon, for your valuable feedback. Your honesty helps plant lovers everywhere make wiser choices!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

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Sawtooth Oak Tree

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