The Oak Tree

The oak tree is an iconic tree and a particular favourite of the English. There are over 300 species and they live happily all over the world. The best known British oak is the Common Oak (Quercus Robur) which is also known as the English Oak. This majestic tree is deciduous, broad leafed and grows to an average height of 15-25 metres.

Some oaks are actually evergreen such as the Golden Oak (native to Cyprus) and the Coast Live Oak (native to California).

Man has made use of oak trees for many years. It has housed us, helped feed us, clothed us, kept us warm, helped us travel the seas and decorated our homes.

Oak has always been a highly prized timber and it was used a lot in the days of timber ship building and is still used today in building construction because it is very strong. It also has high levels of tannin which protect it from fungal attack or insect attack. As well as the timber, other bits of the tree are also useful to us. The acorns have been used for pig food to help fatten them up and the bark has been used in the leather tanning process. It has also been used ceremonially and as an emblem (such as the National Trust emblem of an oak sprig complete with acorns).

These days you are most likely to come across oak in the form of beautiful furniture. The grain looks stunning and oak furniture will last for many years which is why it is so popular, although not as common as the cheaper pine furniture options. Because of the inherent sturdiness of the wood, large pieces of furniture can be made such as desks, beds and tables.

If you are thinking of buying oak furniture yourself, make sure that it is solid wood because an oak veneer will give you some of the beauty of the oak but not the strength and the long term value will also not be as good.

If you visit any stately homes it is likely that you will come across oak panelling as well as furniture. Panelling was popular in prominent buildings and showed class and wealth.

Oak is a tree that we have loved and made use of for many years and a tree that we continue to be closely linked with. It is a tree that we really wouldn't want to be without.

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