Things You'll Need:
- Live oak tree Shovel Pruning Loppers
-
Step 1
Select an area in your yard that will give the live oak plenty of room to spread out. These trees can have a width of 60 to 120 feet when fully grown. Make sure your tree will not be planted close to any structures or power lines.
-
Step 2
Choose an area that receives partial shade, partial sun or full sunlight. Live oaks are not too picky when it comes to sunlight. They will also grow well in soils that are acidic, clay, loam, sandy, occasionally wet or alkaline.
-
Step 3
Dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the live oak's container.
-
Step 4
Remove the live oak from its container and loosen the roots with your hands.
-
Step 5
Fill in the hole with the surrounding soil and tamp down firmly around the base of the tree to remove any air pockets that might be remaining in the hole.
-
Step 6
Water your live oak well. Continue to water your new tree regularly until it has established itself.
-
Step 7
Prune your live oak to keep it shaped the first few years it is growing. Cut off any branches lining the bottom portion of the trunk with pruning loppers or a bow saw to a height that a person could walk under the lowest branch. Hire a professional tree trimmer, with a larger oak, to shape the tree up if the branches begin to hang too low or are interfering with a structure. Prune your live oak in the warmer months when there is no chance of a freeze.
