Oaks are perhaps one of the most beneficial tree species to have on your property when it comes to attracting wildlife. In addition to creating great habitat, oak trees provide prime food for a variety of animal species. Many game species benefit from the high protein and fat content of acorns, and they are often a preferred food during the fall months. Many species of mammals, birds, insects, and reptiles depend on oak trees at some point in their life cycle. A selection of Minnesota animals that depend on acorns for nutrition include white-tailed deer, black bears, wild turkeys, grouse, squirrels, and other wildlife. Acorns are high in carbohydrates and help animals gain fat for the winter.
Oaks can be classified in two ways; like a white oak or a red oak. They are usually easy to tell apart; white oaks have rounded margins (edges) on their leaves, and red oaks have pointed leaf margins. Animals tend to prefer white oak acorns because they are larger and sweeter, especially white-tailed deer. In fact, white oak acorns are often called “deer candy” because they are so intensely attracted to them. Red oak acorns have more tannins (tannic acid), which gives them a more bitter flavor than white oaks. Humans can also eat acorns, but if you collect them yourself, be sure to boil them in several changes of water to reduce the bitter tannins, which are also slightly toxic to us (when eaten in large quantities).
Common white oak species in Minnesota include:
– Office
-White
– White Swamp
Common species of red oak in Minnesota include:
-Black
– Northern Red
– Northern Pine
There are more than 600 species of oak (Quercus spp.) worldwide and about 60 in the United States. In Minnesota, all oak trees are deciduous, meaning they lose their leaves each fall and grow new ones in the spring. Oaks, and trees in general, can benefit your home or cabin by reducing cooling costs through the shade they produce. They also help control stormwater runoff, reduce air pollution, and sequester carbon from the air (these qualities are also benefits of trees in general). A remarkably long-lived species, oak trees can live 500 years or more. The common lifespan of Minnesota oaks tends to range from 100 to 250 years, depending on the species. Planting and caring for oak trees on your property is a good investment for the future. If you have any questions about oaks, please contact me or a local forester or tree nursery.
Although very beneficial, there is a big problem with oak trees. They can often take a lifetime to become a mature tree that bears fruit. The problem with this is that it can prevent people from planting them. Also, because the tree’s wood is so valuable, oak stands are often cut down and sold. For that reason, it can often be difficult to find large stands of oak trees on public land. If you find an oak stand on public property, you may have found a golden mind for whitetail hunting, especially if you are a bowhunter.
In general, oak trees are extremely beneficial to a habitat and can be a much-needed food source for many species of wildlife. As a real estate agent who focuses on hunting land, I always urge landowners to never cut down large, mature oak trees. Not only do they give the owner a better hunting opportunity, but when it comes time to sell their hunting land, oak trees MAY increase the price and competition for the buyer.
