When to Plant Oak Trees

When to plant oak trees is an important question for anyone looking to add this majestic tree or sapling oak tree to their landscape. As with most things in life, it depends. There are more than 500 types of oak, and you can categorize them into two groups: white oak (Quercus alba, USDA plant hardiness zones 3-9) or red oak (Quercus rubra, zones 3-8). Red oaks have a subset called black oaks (Quercus velutina, zones 3-9). These majestic trees can range from 60 to 100 feet when fully grown.

Nearly all oak trees have a distinct oak leaf that is beautifully green and lobed. Another prominent part of oak trees in fall is their acorns. These fall products are considered a fruit, and an oak tree can produce up to 1,000 acorns a year. The best time to plant oak trees depends on where you live, and you'll need to know that information to ensure your sapling oak tree has the best chance of thriving.

Though they are one of the hardiest trees, oak trees prefer to be planted in the winter, specifically between December and February. This timing allows them to put down roots before the hot summer sun dries out the soil. If you live somewhere with a considerable amount of rainfall, you can plant your oak tree between September and November. If you live in the Western United States, you should wait until after the last frost to plant your oak tree.

Many experts note that the earlier you plant, the better it will turn out, at least when it comes to planting oak trees. Wait until after the first rain of the fall occurs and plant your acorns then. Waiting too long to plant can cause early germination during storage. If you're planting live oak seedlings, you should take more care, as there is more risk of transplant shock with seedlings than with acorns.

Live oak trees (Quercus virginiana, zones 7-10) are native to the Southeastern United States. If you don't live within the confines of this geographical area, you don't need to despair; many oak species are adaptable to different climates. When in doubt, you can ask your local nursery or gardening center which type of oak tree would be best for your area.

When selecting a spot in your yard for your oak tree, you'll want to ensure it's a space with plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil. You don't want to plant it too close to your house or other buildings, as the roots can damage foundations. It is also vital to give your oak tree room to grow.

You're probably wondering, "How tall does an oak tree grow?" Most oak trees will grow to be at least 40 feet tall, so you need to ensure enough space for them to reach their full potential. Don't be surprised if you don't see new growth right away. Seedlings will sprout around early March as they grow their long roots to establish themselves in the first few months.

Now that you know when and where to plant your oak tree, the next step is to choose the right tree. If you live in the Northern part of the United States, you will want to choose a white oak tree. For the Southern states, live oak trees are the best option. If you live in an area with frigid winters, you may want to consider planting a red oak tree. Planting a red oak tree is just like planting a live oak tree.

Once you have selected your tree species, it's time to start. You will need to dig a hole twice the width of the tree's root ball and just as deep. You should loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole so the roots can easily spread out.

When you are ready to plant your root ball, remove your tree from the container it came in and place it in the hole. Fill the hole with soil, making sure to pack it down around the tree. Water your oak tree well and mulch around the base to help retain moisture.