Trunks often rot by the time a water oak is 50 years old. Shallow, spreading root systems compete for water and nutrients in the soil, causing problems with grass or other plants planted beneath a water oak. In warmer climates leaves drop all winter, making raking a constant task. Train this tree to a central trunk, pruning to keep the main branches spaced 2 feet or more apart. Prune regularly to avoid making large pruning wounds that may cause decay.
Lower branches droop as trees grow older.
Prune as needed for clearance. It has a pyramidal shape usually with a central trunk. The lower branches droop, the middle branches grow horizon-tally, and the upper branches are upright. The glossy, dark green leaves change to bronze or red in the fall. Some brown leaves cling to the tree throughout the winter.