ath, Knowhatyoumean - growing up in UCLA(upper corner of lower Alabama), water oak was everywhere, and not especially appealing to me in very many ways. But, I'd hazard a guess that Q.nigra would likely be pretty uncommon in brandon's locale, and thus *might* be an interesting addition. Or not. I never see it here, though my understanding is that it is present in the area (I have a graft of the 'Firewater' coccineaXnigra, which was a chance seedling Guy S. grew from acorns collected from the KY champion Q.nigra, located less than an hour west from me).

What's interesting to me is, although "wild" oaks in natural conditions will throw out a second flush in moister years, first-year seedlings in the wild almost never do. I think it's a sunlight thing - as they're usually in fairly deep shade. The acorns I've grown (or had pop up) directly in the ground will flush multiple times if in full sun and decent soil with good moisture. Saplings and more mature oaks seem to not be as picky.

Lucas, I haven’t even been to that tree this year, to be honest. My daily commute has changed and I no longer drive near it. I’ll try to make a trip over there. I do have an offspring of that tree, it’s in its second season and about 6’ tall. It’s in a 5-gallon Smart Pot at the moment. I’ll be planting it in its permanent location probably around early October, and will get a pic of it then. I had to retrain a leader TWICE this summer (long story) but it’s looking good.

Sugar maples here are turning early. Maybe the good growing conditions have helped wear out the leaves? Like running a car at full blast wears it out quicker.... I don't know. Some trees like black walnut are getting fall anthracnose & losing leaves, but that's typical unless there's a very dry growing season.