There are 20 species of oak trees native to California and more than 20 hybrids, but most of San Mateo County’s oaks (and those in Menlo Oaks) are Valley Oaks and Coast Live Oaks. Tan Oaks and Blue Oaks are also found in County parks and neighborhoods.

The oldest living oak tree in California is a Coast Live Oak, the Pechanga great oak near Temecula, California. It’s believed to be at least 2000 years old! However, the oaks in neighborhoods like Menlo Oaks generally live to be 100-300 years old if cared for properly.

Coast Live Oaks
Coast Live Oaks are probably the most common oaks found in California’s urban areas. Averaging around 70 feet in height, the coast live oak grows around 24 inches per year—with a moderate growth rate. The canopy of the Coast Live Oak is also impressive, as it can expand from 20-70 feet over time — providing ample shade below. It does not lose its leaves in the fall.

Coast Live Oaks are the most vulnerable to Sudden Oak Death, or SOD. This is a fungus-like pathogen that can be fatal. It can be found in other plants and in several species of oaks. Deciduous trees, like Valley Oaks, are much less likely to get SOD. Preventative treatment for California Live Oaks and early ongoing management of the disease are available through certified arborists.

Valley Oaks
The Valley Oak is the largest oak tree found in California. It can grow to be over 100 feet tall and displays a wide, majestic canopy. Valley Oaks grow quickly, reaching 20 feet in 5 years, 40 feet in 10 years, and up to 60 feet in 20 years. Mature Valley Oaks can attain an age of up to 600 years. Its thick, ridged bark is characteristic and evokes alligator hide. A deciduous tree, it loses is leaves every fall; so, in Menlo Park, we can see the irregular and lively branches against the winter sky.

Adding Or Replacing Trees On Properties
Since 2005, Menlo Oaks has lost several hundred oak trees—some by natural causes like disease and storm damage, but many more through permits filed by developers and homeowners changing the footprints of their properties.
Should you need to replace a tree or want to add trees to your property, San Mateo County provides a list of recommended Oaks and native, drought resistant trees. However, as a resident of Menlo Oaks, consider planting oak trees. And, be sure to check with a certified arborist about the best places to plant them and how to care for them.