If you were looking at a newer development that was fairly high on a hill, those might have been scrub oaks that were there naturally, and they left some of them when they developed. The scrub oaks don't get really tall, and they're somewhat bushy. But I don't think they spread by runners. I may be mistaken, but I've never heard of an oak spreading that way.

Not sure what else to tell you without more information about the plant characteristics. Any more info? Any photos?

pjjujospk, did they flower? If so, can you describe the flowers.. what color etc. Were the plants evergreen? Were they tall and thin or more rounded? Were the leaves shiny? Did they produce berries? Were they left in a natural shrub-like shape or were they usually limbed-up, to shape more tree-like? If you can remember more about them, it would help with the I.D..

Crystal

I agree with Stevation. Sounds like Scrub Oak to me. They do grow in groves and are smaller and shrubbier than traditional oaks.

I do agree but I think it is listed as black oak, It is hard to get rid of even the chain does not kill it.