Quercus acutissima - Sawtooth Oak - Evergreen Trees Direct

Quercus acutissima – Sawtooth Oak

$280.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 40cm/45L

40cm/45L 100L 200L

Current Stock Height Guides

40cm/45L: 1.5m – 2.5m Approx.
100L: 2.2m – 3m Approx.
200L: 3m – 4.5m Approx.

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you mustconfirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 10m to 20m (approx.)

Mature Width: 15m to 20m

Quercus acutissima – Sawtooth Oak is expected to grow 40cm to 70cm per year (moderate) (approx.).

Root Ball Dimensions

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

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Email: sales@evergreentrees.com.au

Phone: (03) 7042 3318

About Your New Quercus acutissima – Sawtooth Oak

Quercus acutissima, the Sawtooth Oak, is a deciduous oak with narrow, bristle toothed leaves that look more like a sweet chestnut than a classic oak. The canopy starts pyramidal and broadens into a heavy rounded crown. Foliage turns clear golden yellow in autumn, and mature trees carry acorns in shaggy fringed cups.

It takes full sun, tolerates light shade and grows on clay or loam without fuss, provided the site is not waterlogged. Growth is moderate at 40 to 70 centimetres a year, reaching 10 to 15 metres tall with a broad 15 to 20 metre spread. Frost hardy, and drought tolerant once settled.

This is a tree for parks, school grounds, large rural gardens and biodiversity corridors, anywhere there is room for a wide crown and a genuine pool of summer shade. Heavy acorn crops feed native birds and stock. Given the space it needs, it delivers shade and habitat with almost no upkeep.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Sawtooth Oak

What is a Sawtooth Oak?

Quercus acutissima is a deciduous oak from east Asia, named for the bristle tipped teeth along its narrow leaves. The foliage looks closer to a sweet chestnut than a European oak. It forms a broad rounded shade canopy, colours golden yellow in autumn and bears distinctive acorns in fringed, mossy looking cups.

How big does a Sawtooth Oak grow?

Mature trees reach about 10 to 15 metres tall with a broad spread of 15 to 20 metres, so width is the figure that governs where it can go. Young trees are narrow and pyramidal and only widen out after a decade or two. Plan the position around the mature crown, not the nursery tree.

How fast does it grow?

Moderate, around 40 to 70 centimetres a year, which is quick for an oak. Establishment is helped considerably by deep watering through the first two summers. Growth slows as the crown broadens, and useful shade is generally available within about eight to ten years of planting an advanced specimen.

When does it lose its leaves and colour?

It is deciduous. Leaves turn clear golden yellow through autumn, roughly April to May, then brown and fall, and some dry leaves may hang on into early winter on younger trees. New growth flushes in spring alongside inconspicuous yellow catkins. Bare winter branches let sun reach whatever is planted beneath.

Does it drop acorns?

Yes, and often heavily once trees reach about ten years old. The acorns are large and sit in a shaggy fringed cup, and they feed cockatoos, parrots and livestock. Drop is worth thinking about over paths, pools and parked cars, which is one reason the tree suits parks and open ground.

Where does it grow best in Australia?

It performs across temperate, cool temperate and warm temperate districts, taking in most of Victoria, Tasmania, the ACT, inland New South Wales, the Adelaide Hills and the south west of Western Australia. It tolerates heat and dry spells once established but colours best where autumn nights are cool. Tropical areas are unsuitable.

How do I care for a Sawtooth Oak?

Water deeply once a week through the first two summers, then taper off as the roots reach down. Mulch a wide ring around the trunk and keep grass off it. Formative pruning in the first few winters sets a single strong leader and lifts the lower limbs for clearance. Mature trees need almost nothing.

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

Enriched Planting Mix is a certified organic blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent, bagged in 30L. It is built to be dug through existing garden soil at planting time rather than used on its own, and the gypsum is what sets it apart from a plain compost.

Gypsum helps break up heavy clay so water and roots can move through it, while the compost and manure return organic matter and nutrient to tired ground. The coarse bark holds structure and keeps air around the root zone, and the wetting agent keeps moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering.

Use it when planting trees, shrubs, roses, fruit trees and exotic garden plants, particularly into clay. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and 7 centimetres deeper, then mix roughly one third planting mix through the excavated soil. Spread 7 centimetres of that improved soil in the base before setting the plant in.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Enriched Planting Mix

What is Enriched Planting Mix made from?

It is a blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent. Each part has a job. The compost and manure supply organic matter and nutrient, the gypsum works on clay structure, the bark keeps air around the roots and the wetting agent holds moisture in the soil.

What plants is it suitable for?

It suits exotic garden plants, including roses, ornamental and deciduous trees, fruit trees, shrubs and perennials, and it earns its keep most on heavy clay sites. It is a planting mix rather than a potting mix, so its job is improving soil at planting time. Phosphorus sensitive natives are the one clear exception.

Is it safe for natives?

No, not for the phosphorus sensitive ones. The composted animal manure in this blend lifts phosphorus well above what Proteaceae such as Banksia, Grevillea, Hakea and Protea will tolerate, and the result can be leaf burn, dieback and plant death. Use the Native Potting Mix for those species, or plant them into unimproved local soil.

Is it certified organic?

Yes. It is a certified organic product with no chemical additives, which is why the manure and compost in it are fully composted rather than raw. That makes it sound around fruit trees and vegetable beds, and it means you are adding genuine organic matter to your soil rather than a synthetic conditioner.

How much do I need?

Work on roughly one third planting mix to two thirds of the soil you dug out of the hole. For a shrub out of a 200 millimetre pot that is only a few litres. An advanced tree going into a large hole will take considerably more. Judge the quantity by the volume of the hole rather than the size of the plant.

Can I use it in pots?

It is not a potting mix and should not be used on its own in a container. The blend is designed to be diluted through garden soil, and used straight in a pot it holds too much water and settles badly. For containers, reach for a premium potting mix, or the native mix if you are potting natives.

Does it need to be watered in?

Yes. Water the plant well several hours before you plant it, then water thoroughly again once the hole is backfilled and the soil firmed down. That first deep watering settles the improved soil around the root ball and drives out air pockets. Keep the water up over the first few months while the roots establish.

View full details

Type: Garden Supplies

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

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Uses in my Garden

Avenue Planting
Shade Tree
Street Tree
Feature Tree
Rural Property Planting

Quercus acutissima – Sawtooth Oak works in an:

Woodland Garden – layered, naturalistic design under dappled light.
Heritage / Traditional Garden – timeless, classic plantings for period homes.
Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

Is Quercus acutissima – Sawtooth Oak Evergreen or Deciduous?

Quercus acutissima – Sawtooth Oak is an Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 10m to 20m (approx.)

Mature Width: 15m to 20m

Quercus acutissima – Sawtooth Oak is expected to grow 40cm to 70cm per year (moderate) (approx.).

Growth Rate of Quercus acutissima – Sawtooth Oak

Quercus acutissima – Sawtooth Oak is expected to grow 40cm to 70cm per year (moderate) (approx.).

They are considered to have a:

Fast Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Quercus acutissima – Sawtooth Oak

Is Quercus acutissima – Sawtooth Oak frost tolerant?

Quercus acutissima – Sawtooth Oak is Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Does Quercus acutissima – Sawtooth Oak Flower?

Quercus acutissima produces small, inconspicuous catkins in spring, followed by large, spiny-cupped acorns that add distinctive seasonal interest. The tree is admired primarily for its sharply toothed leaves, strong structural presence and reliable yellow autumn colour rather than its flowers.

Does Quercus acutissima – Sawtooth Oak flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Spring

Flower Type:

Catkin-like

Flower Colour:

Yellow

Is Quercus acutissima – Sawtooth Oak an Australian Native Tree?

No

Quercus acutissima – Sawtooth Oak is Native to East Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea, where it grows naturally in temperate forests.

What is the Wildlife Value of Quercus acutissima – Sawtooth Oak ?

Its broad canopy and heavily serrated foliage provide excellent shelter for small birds, while the tree supports a wide range of beneficial insects that underpin local ecosystems. The large acorns that follow are a valuable seasonal food source for wildlife, making Sawtooth Oak an excellent choice for biodiversity in parks, acreages and larger gardens.

How much Sunlight does Quercus acutissima – Sawtooth Oak need?

Quercus acutissima – Sawtooth Oak will thrive best in:

Full Sun

Preferred Soil?

Quercus acutissima performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. It will also tolerate lighter sandy soils if enriched with organic matter to improve moisture retention. Avoid heavy clay, compacted or waterlogged sites unless significantly improved, as poor drainage can restrict root development and reduce vigour. Keep the soil evenly moist during establishment, then gradually reduce watering as the tree matures.

Is Quercus acutissima – Sawtooth Oak Drought Tolerant?

Is Quercus acutissima – Sawtooth Oak Drought tolerant?

As a young tree it requires regular deep watering to establish properly. Once established, Sawtooth Oak develops moderate drought tolerance and performs reliably through warm, dry periods when planted in well-drained soil. Occasional supplementary watering during extended heat helps maintain canopy density and healthy seasonal growth.

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How To Plant Your Quercus acutissima – Sawtooth Oak

Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop.

Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Quercus acutissima – Sawtooth Oak

Feature tree: 3 to 4 metres apart to allow the full canopy and form to develop.

Avenue planting: 3 metres apart for a uniform soft-textured avenue.

Quercus acutissima – Sawtooth Oak is expected to grow 40cm to 70cm per year (moderate) (approx.).

Fast Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Quercus acutissima – Sawtooth Oak

Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, this is drought tolerant and only needs a deep soak during extended dry periods.

Mulching: Apply a 5 to 7 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk.

Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Light tip prune in late winter to maintain shape, and remove lower branches as the tree grows to develop a clean feature trunk.

Fertilising: Apply a slow-release general-purpose fertiliser in early spring and again in autumn for steady growth and consistent foliage colour.

Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional inspection in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

Planting Your Quercus acutissima – Sawtooth Oak in Different Soil

Quercus acutissima performs best in free-draining loam or sandy loam with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is sharp.

Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch lightly to moderate surface temperature.

Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and coarse organic compost before planting.

Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent growth.

pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline preferred. Avoid waterlogging at all times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Quercus acutissima suitable for wildlife gardens?
A: Yes, its acorns are valuable food for birds and small mammals, and its dense canopy supports biodiversity.

Q: Does Sawtooth Oak need regular pruning?
A: No, it has a naturally strong form and only requires light shaping when young.