Root rot can be a problem in small urban spaces. Other problems include borers, orange-striped oakworm, trunk canker and iron chlorosis. Black oak grows 50 to 60 feet tall. This oak can live 150 to 200 years. It grows in sun to partial shade, and while it prefers moist, rich, well-drained acid soils, it tolerates poor, dry, sandy soils.
Black oak is difficult to transplant.
Less attractive than many other native oaks, it is seldom used as an ornamental. It is, however, worth preserving on site developments. Southern red oak is common in South Carolina, especially in the Piedmont. It grows 70 to 80 feet tall. A moderately fast grower, it can grow about 25 feet in 20 years.