Choosing Between Live Oak and Red Oak for a Small North Texas Yard

City ordinance requires two trees in a small, full-sun North Texas front yard. Owner asks: live oak or red oak?

Recommendation

If an oak is mandatory, choose live oak—slower growing, stays smaller longer.

Better Alternatives (Texas A&M List)

Consider smaller, adapted species:

• Medium (30–50 ft): Chinese pistache, lacebark elm, Texas red oak, ginkgo.
• Small (<30 ft): crape myrtle, Texas redbud, Mexican plum, yaupon holly.

Match tree size to space; avoid future conflicts with structures and utilities.