Heritage Edition no. 8 – English Oak Project

There is little more English than the country pub.  For centuries, they have provided refuge for outlaws and farmers, highwaymen and locals.  It’s no coincidence ‘The Royal Oak’ is one of the most popular pub names in Great Britain.  Nor is it a coincidence they were (and still are – although mostly for show now) filled with oak barrels full of wine and spirits.  The common thread from pub name, to the barrels stored within, to the song ‘England Tree of Liberty’ composed by Charles Dibdin (1795) is Quercus Robur – the English Oak. 

We recently installed a number of 2000 litre examples of the English Oaks to a residence near Queenstown.  Transporting heritage trees of such size is somewhat of a specialty and we decided to record the occasion so as to show what’s possible.  It’s the kind of endeavour that might deserve a pint in ‘The Royal Oak’ afterwards.

You can view the video of this project below. 

The Oak is perfect for park-like avenue settings, or as a specimen tree and will grow to 8 x 5m. 

Or if you cannot wait, we have a number of large specimens available in the exclusive Harrisons Heritage range. 

QUERCUS robur

English Oak

A king amongst trees, the English Oak is the ruler of woodlands and parks throughout Great Britain, where it supports more tree life than any other native tree. 

Quercus robur is the classic oak, the one with distinctive round-lobed leaves that grow a hearty green on a spreading crown that is ruggedly strong.  In late summer, clusters of acorns.  The leaves, changing from the most perfect summer green to golden hues as the colder months, are arranged on rugged branches that spread broadly. This majestic deciduous tree will reach heights of 8 metres and is cuts a distinctive, appealing sight on avenues, in laneways and as a specimen tree.

Quercus robur, 2000lt, March
Quercus robur, 2000lt, March

Quercus robur 2000lt – 20+ year old tree

trees pictured are the same crop as installed in video

Being such a large scale project, we couldn’t possibly fit it all into one email…

Stay tuned for a part two…

Part  2 coming soon…

Quercus robur, New Zealand, November
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