One of the most common tree species in forests, oaks (Quercus) are in decline. The value of acorns and young saplings to wildlife is the primary reason for the decline. If you want to help the oak tree regain its former splendor, follow the instructions in this article on how to start and plant oak seedlings.
Potted oaks suffer from the same issues. A potted oak can become root-bound in a single season due to the rapid growth of its roots. A 5-foot-tall potted oak may be root-bound and likely to die from suffocation if planted. The chances of a root-pruned tree surviving a move to a larger container are good, but it will not be as vigorous as an acorn-planted tree.
Oaks are known for their slow growth. Many a landscaper has advised clients that planting oak trees is a waste of money because the trees won’t live long enough to provide any benefit. It’s unlikely, however. An acorn planted by me 16 years ago is the source of inspiration for this post. It has grown to a height of over 30 feet, and I must say, I am thoroughly enjoying it!
Location
Planting oaks when they are young can avoid all of these issues—transplant challenges, root-bound plants, and costs—which can all be avoided. This is how you do it:
How much plants size
The location should be chosen carefully. Even though some species, such as the dwarf chestnut oak, remain small as they mature, most oaks grow much larger than you might expect, so imagine how much space an adult oak tree (and its root system) will take up in 20 years.
Take baby steps. Small seedlings, like acorns, can be planted in the ground. Keep an eye out for falling acorns and grab them as soon as they hit the ground.
White oak acorns germinate quickly, so they must be planted as soon as they are collected in the fall. A radicle (embryonic root) will be buried and will remain there through the winter months. It will then begin to grow upwards in the spring, aiming for the sun. Red oak acorns don’t germinate until spring, so you can store them in a sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator with a little soil for the winter.
Acorns should always be started in deep pots and kept out of the reach of mice, chipmunks, and squirrels until they are well above the soil line. The first summer, keep them in their pots and then, in early September, transplant them into your yard. Take care of them until they’ve had a chance to grow.
Make sure you buy the smallest oak available at the nursery. Acorns, on the other hand, are completely free!
Protect from Animel
Deer will eat your oak if you don’t protect it. I build a 5-foot-diameter cage out of 5-foot-high wire fencing around the oak. Your oak will quickly fill the cage if you do this, even if it seems excessive at first. Remove the cage once the tree has grown around it and wrap the trunk in plastic or wire fencing material to prevent “buck-rub” from damaging it (bucks like to rub their antlers against trees with a 2- to 3-inch diameter trunk). This causes the tree’s bark to be scraped off, which can quickly kill it. Remove the fencing as soon as possible to avoid the tree growing into and around it. Also, keep in mind that young bark is more susceptible to sunburn.
Fertilize
Don’t feed your oaks. Fertilizing oaks with large amounts of nitrogen can lead to rapid growth periods that split the bark or encourage lush, insect-infested leaf growth.
Planting Tips
Make sure you’re using the right kind of soil. If you’re concerned about your soil’s quality, consider using soil and litter from under an existing oak tree of the same species to inoculate the planting site. Mycorrhizae species that aid in the exchange of nutrients in your oak are introduced here.
Mulch
Make sure the hole you’re planting in is the right size. It is possible to widen the hole without making it too deep. Planting a tree below the root zone is the most common cause of transplant mortality. Many people excavate a large hole and then backfill it to the desired depth. However, the loose soil at the bottom of the hole tends to settle a few inches, just enough to put your tree in harm’s way. Your tree’s root ball should be the depth of your hole. If you enjoy digging, make your hole as wide as possible without going too deep.
Mulch properly. Avoid creating a mountain of pine needles around the base of the tree trunk by using oak leaves. This could lead to rot in the trunk.
Oak Tree Treatment
Oak tree saplings are at risk of being devoured by wildlife at an early stage. Put wire cages over newly planted trees and change them out as the tree grows. Protect the tree until it reaches a height of at least 5 feet (1.5 m).
Make sure the area around young oak trees is free of weeds, and if it rains, water the soil around the tree. In soil that is too dry, the tree’s roots will not grow well.
Wait two years after planting before fertilizing the tree. Even then, fertilizer should only be used if the leaves are yellow or the tree is not growing as it should. Remember that young oak trees grow slowly. In order to encourage rapid growth, it is necessary to feed the tree. This can cause the tree’s trunk to split and the branches to break.
