Oak woodlands are typically found on valley floors, foothills, fault-lines, and mesas. Oak dominated landscapes have understories of grasslands or coastal-sage-scrub with forbs, leaf litter, and woody debris.

Oak woodlands provide habitat for over 300 species of birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals.

Urban and agricultural developments have eliminated oaks from much of their former geographic ranges. Cattle grazing, introduced plant species, tree removal, increased urban runoff, and soil compaction around oak tree roots have contributed to degradation of oak-woodland systems.