It is tolerant of drought, is moderately shade tolerant and is more tolerant of city pollution than most oaks. Bur oak is susceptible to a number of fungal diseases , galls and insect pests , but is seldom seriously damaged. Although considered to be resistant to oak wilt, the disease can kill large limbs, disfiguring affected trees. The wood is hard, tough, close-grained and moderately heavy. It is usually sold as white oak and is used for flooring, furniture, decks, cabinets and interior finishes.
Oaks are very important to wildlife .
The bur oak provides deer, squirrels, wood duck, turkeys and rodents with acorns. Trees also provide cover and nesting materials. Although it makes an excellent shade tree , the bur oak is seldom planted in urban areas, as young trees are difficult to transplant, slow to grow and the mature tree has an extensive root system. It is an impressive tree well suited to larger areas such as parks, campuses and golf courses.