Oak, Red

The Red Oak, is a fast growing broadleaved deciduous tree, that can grow to a height of 25m, and may live for 500 years, although 300 years may be more typical.

The bark is smooth and silver-grey when young, and develops warts or ridges with age. Twigs are straight, slender and dark brown.

 

Photo supplied by: Alan Payne

Common Name:
Red Oak

Scentific Name:
Quercus rubra

Tree No:
188

Location:
D7

Similar to those of English and Sessile Oaks, but more pointed. They have a few lobes each with several teeth and pointed, whiskery tips. Dark green in colour, they have a paler, matted appearance on the underside, and fade to a bright red before falling in autumn.

Credit: Alan Payne

 

 

Slender male catkins hang in clusters and the tiny female flowers are found singly or in clusters.

Credit: This could be your image

 

After pollination by wind, female flowers develop into a fruit enclosed by a rounded cup, known as an acorn, which takes two years to ripen.

Credit: This could be your image

Red oak is native to North America and was introduced to the UK. It was extensively used as a forest tree in Europe in the nineteenth century and in Britain after 1920. It requires full light and lots of space.

Red oak is not as valuable to native wildlife as English and sessile oaks, but its catkins provide pollen for bees and other insects in spring, and its acorns are eaten by birds and small mammals. The rounded crown provides nesting opportunities for birds.

Red oak is mainly planted as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens for its rich autumn colour. The timber is also be used, but it is not as strong as that of English and Sessile Oaks. In North America it is widely used in furniture making, and as lumber for products like fence posts, crates and flooring.

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Braintree & Bocking Public Gardens,
43 Bocking End,
Braintree,
CM7 9AE.

Open 9:00 to 4:00pm – January, February.
Open 9:00 to 6:00pm – March.
Open 9:00 to 7:00pm – April.
Open 9:00 to 8:00pm – May, June, July, August.
Open 9:00 to 7:00pm – September.
Open 9:00 to 6:00pm – October.
Open 9:00 to 4:00pm – November December.

Note – The gates are locked at dusk.
Dusk is subject to seasonal variation, so closing times may not be exactly to the schedule, at the transitions.

No dogs allowed in the gardens.
No alcohol to be consumed in the gardens.
No riding of cycles or scooters in the gardens.

General Enquiries
Phone: 01376 773066
Email: info@braintreeandbockinggardens.co.uk

Tennis Enquiries
Phone: 01376 773070
Email: tennis@braintreeandbockinggardens.co.uk

© Braintree & Bocking Public Gardens Trust 2017-2021. All Rights Reserved.

Registered Charity Number 212989

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Braintree and Bocking Public Gardens

Braintree and Bocking Public Gardens

We provide, maintain and preserve these unique and beautiful gardens as a community green space.

Despite the weather last weekend, our community‑run Christmas Market lit up the gardens. Organised by Rachel Woodcraft at Festoon Events along with a handful of volunteers, local businesses, and brave traders created an affordable festive event, where Santa met hundreds of excited children.We were delighted to welcome local families, though the rain kept some visitors at home, the atmosphere remained warm and festive.Father Christmas met hundreds of excited children in the cosy Grotto, hearing their wishes and sharing memories that lit up room.Thanks to generous donations from local businesses - Gates Peugeot, Prince recycling ltd - SKIPS, C J Yates Construction Ltd, Braintree Garden Centre and B&Q Braintree for festive photo props and displays, the gardens were transformed into a wonderful festive scene. Those who braved the cold, wet conditions were greeted by mischievous Elves from Frederick Douglas Performing Arts Academy, a festive light trail, photo displays, including a 20ft Snowman and Father Christmas, Evo Inflatables - Kids Zone and more. The wonderful @Braintreevoices, Bocking Concert Brass - BCB, ADC Dance and Fitness, Jane Stringer and friends, Tesco for the gingerbread decorating who all entertained us throughout the three days.The fantastic Market stall holders, team in Coffee House in the Gardens and volunteers Friends of Bradford Street Braintree showed resilience offering handmade gifts, tasty treats, and mulled wine that added to the festive ambience.Thank you to everyone who came and helped make the Christmas magic happen. Lastly, a very special thanks to our Chairman - Alan Payne, Trustee - Stephen Becket, who worked tirelessly to instal the lighting and festive displays, Conrad Yates who helped install the fabulous Grotto, the sleigh, and all the reindeers and of course huge THANK YOU to our amazing volunteer Father Christmases, Anthony Reay, Les Priest and Conrad Yates for bringing the Christmas joy to so many children over the three days.We’re so grateful to everyone who contributed -Crown hire BSW Marquees Ltd volunteers, sponsors, traders, and all the wonderful families who supported the community event. We look forward to a brighter (and drier) event next year with an even larger turnout. ... See MoreSee Less
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It’s our final day of Braintree & Bocking Public Gardens Christmas Market and Santas Grotto 2025, and the sun has come out to play! Huge shout out to all of our amazing stall holders who have braved the weather over the last two days to bring their fabulous items for us all to get those early Christmas gifts, delicious food, and drinks from the bar!!Come down today to show your support them all, gates open free m 4pm - 9pm and entry is free to the market. The Groto is open from 4pm - 8pm. Follow the festive light trail to Santa’s Grotto, passing Santa’s Sleigh and his reindeer’s, take some photos with our 20ft snowman and Father Christmas, and we have the wonderful Bocking Concert Brass - BCB here today.We look forward to seeing you all very soon.Thank you to Gates Peugeot Prince recycling ltd - SKIPSC J Yates Construction Ltd Braintree Garden Centre Crown hire Evo Inflatables BSW Marquees Ltd Friends of Bradford Street Braintree and all our volunteers for helping to support this community event. ... See MoreSee Less
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