Choosing Shade Trees: Water Oak vs. Pin Oak, Plus Dogwood Placement

Both water oak (Quercus nigra) and dogwood (Cornus florida) are native. Water oak drops abundant leaves and acorns—messy near lawns. Pin oak (Quercus palustris) holds its brown leaves until spring, reducing cleanup, and grows relatively fast for an oak. Dogwood prefers partial shade as an understory tree. Fall is the best planting time for all; avoid planting large trees after late February in Georgia.