Tree of the Week: July 23rd, 2024
To honor Spain winning the Euro Cup 2024, ArborNote’s Tree of the Week is Holly Oak (Quercus ilex)! It is a large evergreen oak, with heights ranging from 69 to 92 feet, and is native to the Mediterranean region. The Holly Oak is not officially listed as an invasive species in the United Kingdom but is able to naturally regenerate. Normally the tree is unable to withstand severe frost, which would prevent it from spreading north, but with climate change, it has successfully penetrated and established itself in areas north of its native range. It is one of the top three trees used in the establishment of truffle orchards, or truffières. Truffles grow with the tree’s roots in a symbiotic relationship. The wood is hard and tough, and has been used since ancient times for general construction purposes as pillars, tools, wagons, vessels and wine casks!
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