How to Plant White Oak Trees
White oak trees are common across the United States from Maine to Texas. Squirrels, blue jays, woodpeckers, deer and chipmunks love to eat their acorns, and form vibrant communities in oak forests. Enormous trees, reaching up to 100 feet in height, grow from the smallest acorns. They take many years to grow, so plant a white oak tree when you are young to enjoy it for generations and keep your yard brimming with wildlife. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Choose a location in your yard. Partial shade is good for germination and seedlings. After about 1 year, or a height of 18 inches, move plants to a sunnier spot. Oaks are tolerant of a wide variety of soils, but generally prefer well-drained areas.
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Determine the best planting season. Put young oaks in the ground in early fall to allow a solid root base to grow. Plant seeds or seedling in the springtime to avoid damage from frost.
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Gather acorns. Choose plump, swollen acorns from healthy trees. Sprouted acorns work just as well and can be stored in the refrigerator.
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Dig a small hole. The acorns need to be just below the surface, as they will be covered with about ¼ inch of soil. The root base of young plants should be 2 to 3 inches below the surface of the soil.
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Plant your white oaks. Drop in acorns 8 to 10 inches apart and cover the seeds with about ¼ inch of soil. Spread young oaks well apart as they grow to be huge trees.
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Spread mulch on the soil. This helps protect seedlings and young growth, and prevents an infestation of weeds.
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Water your plants. Oaks prefer well-drained soil, but need to be watered regularly in their early life.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not plant oaks close to buildings, streets or sidewalks, as they will tear up the ground.
