Coastal Live Oaks
The Magnolia may be the official state tree of Mississippi, but in the southern
half of the state the live oak that inspires the most awe and admiration.
Live oaks are that quintessential tree that many associate with the coastal
lifestyle. Driving on the beach highway these majestic native trees,
battered and weathered by numerous tropical storms, defiantly continue to prosper. Live
oaks evolved along the southern coastlines to withstand the storm systems with
wide bases and short trunks. The horizontal branching adds to their strength. Live
oaks are long-lived trees. Here at the 12 Oaks Estate in Ocean Springs
these specimens are at least 400 years old. The gnarled branches reaching
down across the ground attest to the witness of the centuries. The Friendship
Oak is perhaps the most well known specimen. Located on the USM Gulf
Park campus, this 500 year old tree has withstood many hurricanes and “witnessed”
Columbus discover the New World. With a trunk circumference of at least
19 feet and a canopy spread of 156 feet, this tree is truly magnificent. Many
assume that live oaks are slow growing trees, when in fact they will reach
a nice size in just a few short years. These live oaks were planted at
the MSU Coastal Research and Extension Center just seven short years ago.
Since live oaks are such long lived trees, not only will you enjoy their shade
not only you will enjoy, but many future generations will as well. I’m
Gary Bachman for Southern Gardening.