Sorry, I know how to protect it. Poaky1

WoW, how confusing of a post. I will add to it though. I have a Quartz mountain Live oak tree. I will be protecting it with Christmas lights, as many on this forum have done with palms etc. I just want to ask that, with all the stores that sell Christmas lights. We need the lights that throw off some heat, so no LED lights. The LED lights don't throw off any heat. Does anyone know any chain stores that have good lights cheap? I know that most places will carry Christmas lights, but, does anyone who uses lights for protection in winter have a favorite? poaky1

Have you read this book (there's a section on live oak growing in borderline areas)?

http://www.amazon.com/Palms-Wont-Grow-Other-Myths/dp/1604693290

The author talks about using Xmas lights, noting that one potential drawback is that they melt snow near the tree, eliminating one insulating factor during cold spells.

Thanks Rustyblackhaw, I had read in the Tropicalesque forum, how a guy in Utah zone 4 grew palms in his yard for several years. So I kinda knew about the lights. He also used styrofoam enclosures, which he had success with for several years. The only reason he quit using it, is the palm got too tall for the shelter. I am interested in anything not mentioned already, and any ideas on where the right lights are cheap. I am not too worried about my Quartz mountain Live oak tree, as long as I get enough warming lights on them. They should be fine, I just hope as the tree gets larger it gets more hardy. But it is a Q. Fusi (quartz mountain Fusi) so it will be smaller longer than if it were a Q. Virginiana. Rustty, have you ever tried a Live oak (FUSI) in your zone 6 yard?