As a boat captain, I spend a lot of time cruising the backwaters of the Lowcountry. When I cruise through the marshes and maritime forests with our guests on one of our private Hilton Head Boat Tours, it is next to impossible not to be taken by the overall beauty of the lush landscape. One of the highlights of our cruise is the majestic live oak tree. It exists here in Hilton Head and surrounding areas in abundance. In this article I will share 14 interesting facts about the live oak tree.
The live oak tree is a majestic, long-lived species of evergreen found throughout the southeastern United States. Its dense canopy and wide-spreading branches provide shade and habitat for wildlife. Due to its deep root system, it can survive in challenging conditions like droughts, hurricanes, and floods, which helps it draw water from far beneath the surface. The live oak tree is beloved by many for its beauty and resilience, making it an essential part of our Lowcountry environment.
1. There are so many trees in Hilton Head. What are some of the most common ones?
We absolutely love our trees here on the island and have many different types of trees. Some of the most common ones here and in the Lowcountry in general are:
• Live oak
• Loblolly pine,
• Pine
• Cabbage palmetto
• Magnolia
• Southern red cedar
2. Why do Live Oak Trees thrive in Lowcountry?
The short story on why live oak trees flourish in the Lowcountry is pretty simple – they do very well in the coastal environment and tolerate saltwater well. Sometimes storm activity inundates their root system for days at a time.
3. Did you know – Spanish Moss: Don’t let the bed bugs bite lore!
• Spanish Moss is a relative of the pineapple.
• It was used for stuffing mattresses.
• Is home to – the dreaded chigger.
When Spanish moss dies, the chigger looks for a new home, and that new home, if you are laying on one of those mattresses, is you!
4. What is the oldest live Oak in SC?
The oldest live oak tree in South Carolina is the “Angel Oak Tree.” Located on John’s Island just outside of Charleston, the Angel Oak is through the be in between 400 and 500 years old! That means would have been around in the same general timeframe as when Columbus discovered America.
5. Where is the largest living Oak tree in the US?
It is located in Louisiana, with an estimated age of 1,500 years.
6. How do they determine the age of a Live Oak?
By counting the rings in the trunk – but you can only do that if the tree is dead. You can also take a core sample of the trunk – but then you leave the tree exposed to disease. The safest way to do it – is to estimate it using the below formula:
• Measure its circumference. Bust out your measuring tape and find a spot about 4 feet above the ground.
• Convert your measurement from feet into inches.
• Divide the total number of inches from #2 above by 3.14 (pi), which gives you the tree’s diameter.
• Multiply the diameter by the growth factor. Using the number 4 as an average growth factor is easiest.
Doing all of the above will give you a reasonable guess on the age of your live oak.
7. Why was live oak used in Ship Building?
It is mainly because it doesn’t decay like other trees and is resilient vs. disease. That makes live oak an excellent choice for building ships. Famous ships built in the 1700s of live oak are – the Hancock and the USS Constitution.
8. What is the most famous live oak tree on Hilton Head?
We actually have two famous live oak trees in the Hilton Head area. The first is the Liberty Oak, located in Sea Pines and is over 360 years old. It is in Harbour Town, where Greg Russell has performed for decades. The second tree is the Succession Oak, located in Bluffton until 2021. Some of the first discussions about South Carolina succeeding from the union were held here. Unfortunately, storm activity was the culprit for taking it out.
9. Why does Spanish moss grow on Live Oak Trees?
Live oak trees with Spanish moss draped over them are a classic image of the low county. They two exist symbiotically together because the live oak is a hearty tree that allows this plant to thrive. Spanish moss likes a damp environment.
10. How have Oak Trees been used through the years??
Live Oaks have been used for thousands of years and have been used by humans to:
• Create tools
• Build homes
• Make furniture
• Build ships
• Make wine barrels.
11. Are Live Oak Trees Protected?
Yes, they are 100% protected. Damaging one of them is not permitted in South Carolina and is punishable as a felony or misdemeanor.
12. How long can a live Oak tree live?
They can live to be up to 1,000 years of age.
13. A live oak tree can grow how tall?
At maturity, it can exceed 140 feet!
14. Did you know?
That an oak tree can produce over 10 million acorns during its lifetime. Having lived near a live oak, I suggest never parking your car underneath it.
About the Author:
Captain Neil is a certified master captain with Hilton Head Boat Charters. Their private boat charter services, which are great for groups of up to six or up to twenty people, include:
- 2-Hour Private Hilton Head Boat Tours
- Custom 4-Hour Hilton Head Dolphin Cruise
- Hilton Head Sunset Cruise
- 2 Hour Hilton Head Dolphin Tours
- Hilton Head Bachelorette Party
