Live Oak and Laurel Oak have similarities, but there are important differences between them. Some of the main keys to identifying the differences between the two Oaks are the leaves, the bark and the natural shape of the tree.
Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) grows to 60 to 80 feet tall with a spread of 60 to 120 feet. These trees can live for 300 years or more, are drought tolerant and somewhat salt tolerant. The leaves of the Live Oak have smooth, slightly rolled under edges that are rarely toothed and are lustrous green on top and pale green with very fine fuzz on the underside. They are thicker than those of Laurel Oak. Live Oaks are evergreen, retaining their leaves until after the next year’s foliage unfolds. The acorns are borne in clusters of three to five. The mature bark is a deep red-brown and can be deeply furrowed vertically.
Laurel Oak (Quercus laurifolia) grows to a height of 60 or more feet with spread of 40 to 60 feet. Laurel Oaks have a lifespan of 50 to 70 years under ideal conditions. These trees are moderately drought tolerant and have a low salt tolerance. The leaves are smooth, narrow, shiny green on top and pale underneath. The margins of the leaves are either smooth or irregularly lobed. Acorns are about ½ inch long and borne singly. The bark is a dark reddish-brown that becomes fissured with age. 
 
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