How to Space Oak Trees
Oak trees are massive trees. Over 300 species depend upon oak trees for food and shelter. An oak can grow over 60 feet tall with a reach of at least 60 feet. Oak has been sought after for hundreds of years for its timber. Oak trees are deciduous trees, which means they shed there leaves in the fall. One interesting fact about this tree is that it can live over 200 years or more. The largest living oak tree in the United States is over 400 years old with a trunk of 32 feet in circumference; it is over 105 feet tall. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Make a diagram of the surrounding area where you want to plant your oak tree. Plan not only for the present planting but the future of your oak on your property. Oak trees when mature are very sensitive which means it must be planted where it will be free to grow unhindered. Don't plant it close to other trees. Remember the mature oak can not tolerate any major changes to its environment so you want to plant this tree where it will not be disturbed by any future plantings or renovations.
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Plant the tree with a round nose shovel in a hole three times the size of the root ball. Plant the tree 15 to 20 feet from any other plant. As the oak matures it acquires a very sensitive root zone that will not tolerate excessive watering; therefore, plants should not be planted around the oak. Water the tree in until the root ball is soaked.
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Adjust your sprinkler system or plan your irrigation to accommodate the drip line of the tree for too much water will make the oak susceptible to oak root fungus. Oak trees should be grown away from lawns for instance because lawn sprinklers flood the soil with too much water. Remove any sprinklers that are spraying the root zone of the oak or any leaves of the oak.
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Check your local city ordinances for regulations regarding oak trees. Knowing these regulations might deter you from haphazardly picking a spot in your yard for this tree. In California many cities have rule regarding the care this great tree. For example the city of Arcadia, California adopted Ordinance 1962 which establishes criteria for the preservation of oak trees. The ordinance states Englemann oaks and any other living oak tree with a trunk diameter larger than 12 inches can not be removed unless an oak tree permit is granted. Such laws may impact any decisions regarding planting oaks in your yard.
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Tips & Warnings
If your oak develops yellow leaves this is not the sign of lack of water rather it may be due to root fungus caused from over watering.
When first planted oaks develop massive tap roots before any growth is seen.
Never top oak trees or prune excessively for they are very sensitive to disease.
