302 AMERICAN FOREST TREES 



The fruit of pin oak is a small acorn which grows either sessile or on 

 a very short stem; sometimes in clusters, and sometimes singly. In 

 shape the acorns are nearly hemispherical, and measure about a half inch 

 in diameter; they are enclosed only at the base, in a thin, saucer-shaped 

 cup, dark brown, and scaly. 



The bark of a mature tree is dark gray or brownish-green; it is 

 rough, being full of small furrows, and frequently cracks open and shows 

 the reddish inner layer of bark. On small branches and young trunks, it 

 is smoother, lighter, and more lustrous. 



Pin oak is smaller than red oak. Average trees are seventy or 

 eighty feet high and two or three in diameter. Specimens 120 feet high 

 and four feet in diameter are heard of but are seldom seen. Near the 

 northern limit of pin oak's range large trees are not found, nor are small 

 trees plentiful. This holds true in all parts of New England and 

 northern New York where the species is found growing naturally. South 

 of Pennsylvania, along the flood plains of rivers which flow to Chesapeake 

 bay, a better class of timber is found. The best development of the 

 species is in the lower Ohio valley. 



It grows rapidly, but falls a little short of the red oak. When 

 young growth is cut, sprouts will rise from the stumps and flourish for a 

 time, but merchantable trees are seldom or never produced that way. 

 The acorn must be depended on. It has been remarked that pin oak 

 does not prune itself well, but it does better in dense stands than in 

 open ground. In the latter case the limbs are late in dying and falling. 



Pin oak has proved to be a valuable street and park tree. It 

 possesses several characteristics which recommend it for that use. It 

 grows rapidly, and it quickly attains a size which lessens its liability to 

 injury by accidents. Its shade is tolerably dense ; the crown is shapely 

 and attractive ; the leaves fall late ; and it seems to stand the smoke and 

 dust of cities better than many other trees. It is easily and successfully 

 transplanted if taken when small. Many towns and cities from Lcng 

 Island to Washington, D. C., have planted the pin oak along streets, 

 avenues, and in parks. Several thoroughfares in Washington are shaded 

 by them. 



Considerable planting of pin oak has been done by railroads which 

 expect to grow ties. Trees of this species when cut in forests and made 

 into crossties do not all show similar resistance to decay. Some ties 

 are perishable in a short time, while others give satisfactory service. 

 The best endure well without preservative treatment, but all are 

 benefited by it. If the experimental plantings turn out well, it may be 

 expected that pin oak will fill an important place in the crosstie business. 



Because of numerous limbs, lumber cut from pin oak is apt to be 



