Live Oaks, Delivered and Planted in SW Florida
Live oak is the classic Florida shade tree: a native with a huge, spreading canopy that handles sandy soil and salt spray and stands up to hurricane winds better than most trees. It needs room, though, since a mature tree spans 60 to 100 feet. We deliver and plant 15 and 25 gallon live oaks, set at the right depth and watered in.
- Light:
- Full sun
- Water:
- Low once established; deep, regular watering for the first year or two
- Salt:
- Moderate to high; handles salt spray, not salt water flooding
Live Oak Tree sizes we deliver and plant
Every size below is planted by our crew, set at the right depth and watered in. Send the size and how many, and we text back a planted price, usually within the hour during the day.
| Plant | Sizes |
|---|---|
| Live Oak Tree | 15 Gallon, 25 Gallon |
Live Oak Tree in SW Florida, at a glance
- Mature size here
- 40 to 80 ft tall, 60 to 100 ft or more wide
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Low once established; deep, regular watering for the first year or two
- Salt tolerance
- Moderate to high; handles salt spray, not salt water flooding
- Cold tolerance
- No concern here; evergreen to semi-evergreen, with old leaves dropping in late winter to spring as new ones push
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Spacing
- 30 to 50 ft apart in rows; 25 ft or more from the house
- Florida native
- Yes, native throughout Florida
- Botanical name
- Quercus virginiana
Where Live Oak Tree works in a SW Florida yard
A live oak is a long-term investment in shade, so site it for what it will be in 30 years: a canopy as wide as your lot. Plant it 25 feet or more from the house and farther from pool cages, septic systems, driveways and sidewalks, because the roots run wide and lift pavement over time.
It looks best as a single anchor in a big yard or as a pair framing an entry. Pair it with sabal palms, coontie and muhly grass for a native planting.
- Big shade canopy
- Wind-tough native tree
- Large lots and estates
- Wildlife habitat
How our crew plants it
Dig the hole two to three times as wide as the root ball but no deeper, and set the root flare at or slightly above grade, with the first roots visible. Backfill with native soil, water in deeply, and mulch 3 inches deep, pulled back from the trunk.
Brace only if the site is windy, and remove the ties within a year. Lee and Collier allow extra watering for new plantings, so water deeply every day or two at first, then taper to weekly through the first dry season.
Care after planting
- Prune yearly for the first few years to build one strong leader and well-spaced branches, and leave large limb work to a certified arborist.
- Water deeply once a week through the first dry season, November to May, because shallow daily sprinkling keeps roots near the surface.
- Keep mulch 3 inches deep and clear of the trunk, and keep mowers and string trimmers away from the bark.
- Never top or hat-rack a live oak, since it leaves weak regrowth and open wounds.
- Don't be alarmed when it drops old leaves in late winter or spring; new ones come in right away.
What to watch for
- Spring leaf drop, acorns, pollen and fallen twigs add up to real cleanup, especially near a pool or roof.
- Roots lift sidewalks, curbs and pool decks over time, so give it distance from hardscape.
Live Oak Tree questions we hear
How fast does a live oak grow in Florida?+
At a moderate pace. Expect roughly 1 to 2 feet of height a year once established, with a faster start from steady water and full sun. It takes decades to reach full size, which is part of the appeal. A 25 gallon tree gives you a head start on shade.
Are live oaks good in hurricanes?+
They are among the better trees for wind. Live oaks are known for strong wind resistance, especially when pruned for good structure as young trees. Even so, any big tree can lose limbs or topple in a major storm, particularly in saturated soil or after poor pruning, so keep large limbs off the roof.
How close to the house can I plant a live oak?+
Plant at least 25 feet from the house, and farther from pools, septic systems and sidewalks. A mature canopy spreads 60 to 100 feet and the roots run wide enough to lift pavement. If your yard is smaller than that, a smaller tree like a dahoon holly or crape myrtle will fit better.
Is live oak salt tolerant?+
Yes to salt spray; live oaks line coastal streets across Florida. Soil salinity and salt water flooding are another matter, so avoid low spots that flood with brackish water. On canal lots, plant back from the seawall rather than right at the edge.
How often should I water a new live oak?+
Deeply and often at first. Lee and Collier allow extra watering for new plantings, so water every day or two for the first few weeks, then a few times a week, then once a week through the first dry season. After a year or two it handles dry spells on rain alone.
How much does it cost to have a live oak planted?+
Price depends on the tree size, how many you want and how easy the access is. Text us the spot and the size you have in mind, and we text back a planted price, usually within the hour during the day. Half down holds the tree and a delivery day.
Updated October 2026
Get a planted price on Live Oak Tree
Tell us what and how many. Quinten prices it from the nursery's live list and texts you back, usually within the hour during the day.
Only need the plant delivered, no planting? It is on our nursery's list at Palm & Plant Co.
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