How to Grow a Cork Oak
Cork oak is a member of the genus Quercus, which encompasses many species found across the globe. Cork oak is native to the Mediterranean regions but has easily adapted to warm and temperate zones of the United States. Cork oak is hardy in United States Department of Agriculture zones 8 to 10 and can survive brief, light freezes. Oak trees are remarkably resilient, and the cork oak may grow up to 70 feet in height with a sturdy thick structure. The trees need little supplemental care once established but do need regular irrigation in warm climates. Cork oak does not need fertilization to thrive but care must be taken to watch for the numerous boring and foliage pests as well as bacterial and fungal diseases. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Perform a soil pH test before you plant the oak in a sunny location. Use a test kit and place soil in the container included in the kit. Add water, mix and dip the test strip into the solution. Compare the color of the test strip to the chart on the kit. If it is above 6.5, you must lower the pH to increase the acidity of the soil.
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Dig in sulfur at the amount recommended on the package. The National Gardening Association also has a handy calculator to determine the proper amount. Dig the sulfur in to a depth of at least 6 inches and water the area until puddles form.
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Plant the tree in a couple of weeks after the sulfur has incorporated into the soil. Dig a hole twice as deep and wide as the root ball. Refill the bottom of the hole with crumbled soil to raise the level to where the plant will sit flush with the surface of the ground. Spread the oak roots in the soil and back fill.
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Water immediately after planting and two or three times per week for the first month. Thereafter, water every two weeks deeply. Apply water at a slow rate so it has time to soak in before it runs off. Cork oak can tolerate more water than most oaks.
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Apply a fungicide in spring to prevent and protect against wilts, blights and cankers caused by fungus. Watch for insect pests and combat them with the appropriate insecticide.
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Train the tree early when it is only a year or two old. Remove extraneous branches that unbalance the tree. Build a well balanced scaffold structure so the tree will grow up sturdy. Chose five to six main lateral branches that alternate on each side and are thick and healthy. Remove any extra branches.
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Use pruners to remove any broken, damaged or dead wood at any time of the year. In spring, remove any low limbs that impede maintenance under the tree and thin the canopy slightly to increase air flow and sunlight penetration. This will also help prevent disease.
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References
Resources
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