{"product_id":"crimson-spire-oak","title":"Crimson Spire Oak","description":"\u003ch1\u003eA Narrow Columnar Oak That Blazes Crimson in Fall\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrimson Spire Oak (\u003cem\u003eQuercus\u003c\/em\u003e × \u003cem\u003ebimundorum\u003c\/em\u003e 'Crimschmidt') offers something rare among columnar trees: a strict, narrow upright form \u003cem\u003eand\u003c\/em\u003e spectacular fall color. This hybrid of English and white oak rises 45 to 55 feet tall on a slim 12-to-15-foot frame, then sets the autumn landscape ablaze with deep crimson-red foliage — far showier than the yellow-brown fall of most narrow oaks. It's one of the narrowest oaks available, ideal for boulevards, screens, and tight yards, and it's hardy to zone 4. Whether you're lining a boulevard in St. Paul, screening a narrow lot in Plymouth, or planting a vertical accent with knockout fall color in Edina, Crimson Spire delivers form and fire in one tree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCrimson Spire Oak Plant Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAttribute\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetail\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eQuercus\u003c\/em\u003e × \u003cem\u003ebimundorum\u003c\/em\u003e 'Crimschmidt' (Crimson Spire)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Names\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCrimson Spire Oak, Columnar Hybrid Oak\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMature Height\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e45–55 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMature Width\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12–15 feet — strictly columnar\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSun\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFull sun (6+ hours) for best form and fall color\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate. Drought-tolerant once established; appreciates consistent moisture while young.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUSDA Zones\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4–8 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a) — hardy across the metro\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSoil\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHighly adaptable. Tolerates Minnesota clay-loam, high pH, and urban conditions.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFoliage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDeciduous — glossy green leaves turning a dramatic deep crimson-red in fall\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAcorns\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProduces acorns with age — food for deer, turkeys, and songbirds\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWinter Hardiness\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReliable to -30°F once established\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDeer Resistance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate — deer browse young trees and acorns; protect when small\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCrimson Spire Oak Uses in Minnesota Landscapes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eNarrow Boulevards and Screens\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt just 12–15 feet wide, Crimson Spire fits boulevards, planting strips, and narrow side yards where a broad oak never could. Plant a row 8–10 feet apart for a tall, slim living screen with the bonus of brilliant fall color in Richfield or St. Louis Park.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eVertical Accent With Knockout Fall Color\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike most columnar trees that color modestly, Crimson Spire turns deep crimson-red in autumn — making a single tree a dramatic vertical exclamation point, or a matched pair a striking formal frame for an entry or driveway in Edina.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTough, Adaptable Structure\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardy and tolerant of clay, high pH, and urban stress, it holds its tight form with little pruning — a low-maintenance structural tree that brings oak strength and longevity to narrow spaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBest Time to Plant Crimson Spire Oak in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOaks are deciduous, so you have two good planting windows in the Twin Cities:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpring (late April–May)\u003c\/strong\u003e, once the ground has thawed, is ideal — oaks establish best with a full season ahead, and spring planting gives the strongest root establishment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFall (September–mid-October)\u003c\/strong\u003e also works. Plant at least six weeks before the ground freezes so roots can settle in. Avoid mid-summer planting, and never plant into frozen ground.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Plant Crimson Spire Oak\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDig wide, not deep — the hole should be 2–3 times the root ball width but only as deep as the ball itself.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCheck drainage — if water pools in the hole, break through clay hardpan or mound-plant slightly to keep roots out of standing water.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBackfill with the native soil mixed with 20–30% compost. Don't create a pure-compost \"container\" in clay.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSet the tree so the top of the root ball sits at or just above grade, and handle the roots gently. Space trees 8–10 feet apart for a narrow screen.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuild a 3–4 inch water basin around the root zone to direct water to the roots; flatten it before winter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMulch with 2–3 inches of shredded bark or wood chips, kept 2 inches from the trunk, and wrap the young trunk the first winter or two.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWatering Crimson Spire Oak in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFirst Year Watering Schedule\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeeks 1–2: water every 1–2 days, deep and slow. Month 1–2: every 3–4 days. Month 3 through fall: every 5–7 days during active growth, less when rainfall is adequate. Stop watering 2–3 weeks before the ground freezes in late October so the tree can harden off for winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAfter Year One\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEstablished Crimson Spire Oak is quite drought-tolerant, needing supplemental water mainly during extended dry spells (2+ weeks with no rain). Water deeply to 6–8 inches every 7–14 days during drought, and let natural rainfall do most of the work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill Crimson Spire Oak survive a Minnesota winter?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — it's hardy to about -30°F and well adapted to the Twin Cities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow narrow does it stay?\u003c\/strong\u003e About 12–15 feet wide at 45–55 feet tall — among the narrowest oaks available, with the added bonus of brilliant fall color.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat's the fall color like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Deep crimson-red — far showier than the muted yellow-brown of most columnar oaks, making it a standout for autumn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it need much pruning?\u003c\/strong\u003e No — it naturally holds its tight columnar form with little pruning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eYou May Also Like\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eKindred Spirit Oak\u003c\/strong\u003e — an even narrower columnar hybrid oak for the tightest spaces.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRegal Prince Oak\u003c\/strong\u003e — an upright-oval hybrid oak with bicolor silvery foliage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNorthern Pin Oak\u003c\/strong\u003e — a native oak with brilliant scarlet fall color.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRed Sunset Red Maple\u003c\/strong\u003e — a fast shade tree with outstanding red fall color.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- tt-enriched --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow Many Crimson Spire Oak Do I Need?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a tall, narrow living screen, space Crimson Spire 8–10 ft on center along the line you want to block:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;max-width:480px;margin:16px 0;\"\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eRun Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003ePlants Needed (9 ft spacing)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e20 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e3\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e40 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e60 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e7–8\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e100 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e12\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a vertical accent, plant one as a focal point or a matched pair framing an entry or driveway, spaced at least 12 ft apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCrimson Spire Oak Season-by-Season in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpring:\u003c\/strong\u003e Glossy green leaves emerge along the tight column; the tree leafs out into a dense, formal pillar.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSummer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Crisp, dark-green oak foliage holds up to heat, urban stress, and high-pH clay without fading.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFall:\u003c\/strong\u003e The payoff — deep crimson-red color that few columnar trees of any kind can match.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWinter:\u003c\/strong\u003e Strong upright branching (and some russet leaves that often persist into early winter) keep the column visually present against the snow.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAt a Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Drought-Tolerant   ✔ Four-Season Interest\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant It With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/kindred-spirit-oak\"\u003eKindred Spirit Oak\u003c\/a\u003e — an even narrower columnar hybrid oak for the very tightest spots.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/regal-prince-oak\"\u003eRegal Prince Oak\u003c\/a\u003e — upright-oval form with silvery bicolor foliage for textural contrast in the same row.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/northern-pin-oak\"\u003eNorthern Pin Oak\u003c\/a\u003e — a native oak with matching scarlet fall color where you have room for a full canopy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/red-sunset-red-maple\"\u003eRed Sunset Red Maple\u003c\/a\u003e — a fast broad shade tree that echoes the crimson fall display.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Crimson Spire Oak Right for Your Yard?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose it if you need serious height in a narrow footprint — boulevards, lot lines, tight side yards — on a full-sun site with clay or high-pH soil, and you want real crimson fall color from a low-pruning structural tree. It's not a fit if you're under power lines or low overhead clearance: at 45–55 ft tall it needs open sky, and deer may browse young trees in high-pressure areas, so plan trunk protection early on.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Three Timbers Minnesota","offers":[{"title":"1.75\"BB","offer_id":54260809597233,"sku":"GT-T3603","price":466.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2\"BB","offer_id":54260809630001,"sku":"GT-T3604","price":507.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2.5\"BB","offer_id":54260809662769,"sku":"GT-T3604.5","price":562.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"3\"BB","offer_id":54260809695537,"sku":"GT-T3604.6","price":589.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0986\/0694\/0465\/files\/crimson-spire-oak.jpg?v=1779426691","url":"https:\/\/threetimbersmn.com\/products\/crimson-spire-oak","provider":"Three Timbers Minnesota","version":"1.0","type":"link"}