The Importance of Saving Oaks

Oaks are one of the most important tree groups globally. There is immense diversity in the 450 different types of oaks that span across five continents.

Oaks support life. In the Illinois area alone, over 600 species of plants and animals, including butterflies, bees, and birds, need oaks to survive.

In the United States, oaks are one of the most valuable tree groups for ecosystem services. Ecosystem services are services provided to human communities, like reducing pollution, regulating the climate, or providing food for pollinators.

A large oak can reduce 5,400 gallons of stormwater runoff and remove more than 1,000 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere per year. All told, the Chicago region's oak ecosystems provide over $2 billion worth of flood and erosion control. 

Habitat loss is one of the greatest threats to oaks. Suburbanization, agriculture, and industry lead to oaks and other trees being cut down. The Chicago region has lost 83% of its oak habitat since 1830.

Climate change leads to an increase in severe storms, which can damage oaks. Climate change can also cause an increase in droughts, limiting oaks' access to water, as well as an increase in temperature, making it easier for pests and diseases to thrive and damage trees.

The Morton Arboretum, located west of the city of Chicago, Illinois, leads a global partnership for oak conservation. The Arboretum also works to ensure that our local oak ecosystems are protected.