We are not aware of any issue specific to Scarlet Oaks (Quercus coccinea), or oaks in general aside from the widespread decline of many mature trees observed in our region in recent years. The species if found growing wild across much of the state. (There is no single cause...many factors contribute to tree decline, often months or years before decline becomes evident.) Planting trees in locations that suit their needs in terms of soil, sunlight, and room to mature is the best way to set them up for success to reduce the risk of long-term issues. Planting depth is also very important, which you can learn about in the links below.

• Why Oak Trees are Declining or Dying
• Browning and Defoliation of White Oaks (Scarlet Oak is in the red oak group, not the white oak group, but overall this assessment can still apply to other trees)
• Planting a Tree or Shrub (includes a link to our blog article "Free the Flare: Maintain Visible Root Flare for Tree Health")
• Planting Trees in our Changing Climate (includes links to lists of trees predicted to be suitable to certain changes in site conditions, like higher heat and less regular rainfall)

Maryland is home to nearly two dozen species of oak (only one, Sawtooth Oak, is non-native and invasive), though some are more readily available for purchase than others. We don't have a chart of their differences in tolerances (some handle wet soil better, some drought and pollution, etc.), but you can cross-reference that list of native species with what is available and noted for any tolerances your site conditions dictate.

Miri