Little Oak Tree Care

Keep oak leaves on the ground to contribute extra nutrients to the soil.

Little oak trees or oak tree seedlings need proper care to establish strong root systems. Oak trees need sufficient water, mulch and protection from wildlife for healthy growing. In addition, oak trees cannot tolerate competition from weeds or herbicide. Keep your little oak tree free from any chemicals that could cause the tree to decline in health.

Watering

Little oak trees need to be watered their first year. Without water, your oak tree will develop a weak, shallow root system. You can test soil moisture by pressing a PVC pipe into the soil. If the pipe only sinks a few inches, not enough water is getting to your oak tree's roots. Place soaker balls underneath the outermost branches of the oak trees or around its drip line. Apply water every five days through the soaker balls until the ground is moist 6 inches deep. You can dig a 6-inch hole next to the area to see if the soil is moist.

Mulch

Mulch helps lock in ground moisture and prevents weeds from invading your little oak tree's space. Organic material such as alfalfa hay and wood chips can be applied around the tree, as recommended by Oak Trees of the Wild West. Spread a 3- to 4-inch layer of mulch 6 inches from the base of the tree and a foot past the drip line. Replace the mulch every year, because organic materials decompose throughout the year.

Wildlife Protection

Deers, rabbits and other wildlife can eat the tender bark and foliage off your little tree. To protect your seedlings, unroll a 4-foot-high mini deer fence and fasten the sides together. Secure your mini fence in the ground with stakes driven around the seedling. Add a 2-foot-high piece of chicken wire to the bottom of the fence to keep rabbits at bay. Monitor your barrier to ensure that the seedling's growth is not impeded by the fencing.

Weeds

Weeds use up essential nutrients and moisture in the soil. A high weed population around your oak seedling can cause stunted growth or a weak root system. Because herbicides used around your seedling can damage the plant, hand pull or dig up surrounding weeds. To help you remove the entire root system, water the soil and lift the entire root system from underneath. Keep your grass away from your little tree by installing garden edging such as rocks, wood or bricks around the seedling.

References

• Crawford Conservation: Protecting Your Seedlings From Deer and Rabbits
• Oaks of the Wild West: How to Plant a Young Oak Tree