Where space is limited, such as along a narrow thoroughfare or snuggled up near a downtown building, here are three (plus two others pictured here) columnar oaks that you can depend upon.

Beacon® is a hybrid swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor) discovered by famed plantsman Dr. Michael Dirr and introduced by J. Frank Schmidt Nursery in Boring OR. It maxes out at 40 feet by 15 feet and makes a strong visual statement. The stout upright branching structure and dense green foliage makes this variety a reliable street tree. It also has an above average yellow fall color. (Zone 4 hardy).

Skinny Genes® is another tight-growing hybrid deciduous oak (English oak Q. robur x White Oak Q. alba). This columnar form is perhaps the narrowest yet. The glossy, very dark green summer foliage is mildew resistant, then leaves turn yellow in autumn. Note…. Beacon is rated more symmetrical and denser branched than Skinny Genes.

Kindred Spirit® is a hybrid cross between Swamp White Oak (Q. bicolor) and Columnar English Oak (Q. robur ‘Fastigiata’). Rising like a sentinel, the tree has a columnar growth habit, growing about 30 feet tall at maturity, with a branch spread of 6 feet. The tree has a low canopy – about 2 feet from the ground. It has attractive large dark green lobed foliage with silver undersides in spring and summer and turns bright red – orange in fall.

All five columnar oaks require some occasional maintenance and pruning upkeep.  They tolerate all types of soil that are well-drained. Newly planted trees should be irrigated during very dry periods, particularly during the first two years after planting. Yes, oaks produce acorns which can be messy and attract squirrels to your landscape and sidewalks.