When To Plant Oak Trees

Oak trees are one of the ancient living things that haven’t gone into extinction yet. The tree is long-lasting because of its durability and resistance to strong winds, storms, and hurricanes. The oak tree plays a vital role in:

• Feeding animals such as bears, birds, and pigs
• Constructing homes and buildings, making furniture
• Cosmetic creams
• Flooring materials

The oldest tree among the oak trees spans from 1500 years ago; the tree lives in Mandeville, Louisiana. One unique oak tree known as Northern red oak resides in New Jersey, and its fascination comes from its having a red color. There are over 450 species of oak trees in Northern America.

The leaves of oak trees have a tannic acid coat which halts fungi and insects from causing harm to them. The oak tree seeds are known as acorns, animals like eating these seeds during the winter. Additionally, acorns contain nutrients such as vitamin A and E, potassium, and iron, and they are also in plenty and an available source of food for wildlife.

Unfortunately, the oak tree numbers continue to decline due to people making room for graze lands and coffee plantations. As a result, we risk losing the oak trees soon. You will find that oak trees will add an excellent addition to your front lawn or yard. It is best to maintain the oak tree and its surroundings by doing it yourself or hiring trimming services.

 Planting Acorns

As a protective measure, it is good to start planting the acorns in deep pots. The pots shelter the seeds from squirrels and other animals. You should cater to the pot’s seed up to the point where it comes above the soil. You should then fence the outdoor area that is suitable for growing the oak seed to hold back the seed’s destruction as it grows; remember that acorns are a staple food for wildlife. You should also make the holes on the ground wide to accommodate the branches as they spread out, and the depth should not be profound; digging your hole deep can drop your seed into the danger zone.

While the seeds are in the pot, it is best you shelter them from the sun and water them from the top until the plant emerges. Afterward, you should water the plant from below; this is done by putting drainage holes on your pot and placing it on a water bed, and then letting it soak the water. You should sustain the plant for four to six weeks until it germinates and you can move it outside under limited sunlight. Due to the requirement of minimal sunlight, you should plant it during the spring season. The acorns thrive during the spring season.

It’s best you transport the plant after it grows about 8 inches long to its lifelong home in your backyard or lawn. It is good to choose a far position from your house entrance or window as the tree’s branches will drop leaves and branches. The tree will also become big; hence you should not build it near an entrance as it will block it. You will also need to root out any weeds or grass around the area and finally place your plant in the hole.

Four Ways To Take Care of Growing Oak Trees

Just like any other plant, oak trees are vulnerable to illness and infestation. Consequently, you should pay attention to your plant and care for it in the following ways:

The Gradual Release of Water During Summer and Spring

Generally, oak trees thrive under the natural seasons of wet winters and dry summers. But, if you experience dry winters, you should soak the tree in the spring and dry summers too. Gradually realizing water during the dry seasons will prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged. It would help if you never watered the plants more than once a month. Waterlogged soils cause deprivation of oxygen to the plant hence causing damage.

Use Mulch

Mulch prevents the soil from becoming dry and reduces weeds. The mulch is an excellent nutrient to the oak tree. You should lay about 3 inches of mulch around the growing oak tree. The mulch aids the plant during the winter and summer by keeping the tree at a moderate temperature.

Prune the Tree

Pruning aids in the removal of diseased branches. It is crucial to know that pruning should only be done when branches weaken. Another reason to trim is you manage the size of the tree. The oak tree grows wide branches that can get in the way. Hence, it would be best if you trimmed the branches. It would be good to avoid cutting the branch collar; this is the swollen area at the tree trunk. Cutting the whole branch will expose the inside of the tree and cause the branch to stop growing. It is also best to trim during the winter to allow the tree to blossom in the spring.

Enrich the Soil

Enriching the soil with nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus will keep the oak tree well. It is best to fertilize the soil during the spring, summer, and autumn seasons; the nutrients will be soaked deeper in the roots during the rainfall season. It is also alright to let the leaves fall from the oak tree to decompose and act as manure.

Why You Should Plant Oak Trees

An Essential Part of the Ecosystem

Oak trees help the soil to preserve its nutrients. Any farmer will have the advantage of having fertile soil to grow healthy plants when they have oak trees in the surroundings.  The oak trees are also a vital source of nutrients to many plants and animals. Hence, keeping the biodiversity safe. The trees also shelter animals.

Beautify the Lawn and Backyard

Oak trees are magnificent. The trees will add a serene aspect to your home environment, and their ability to withstand harsh climates makes them a valuable asset. The leaves turn to a colorful red or brown during the fall, and the dominant tree adds shade to the environment.

Resistance To Mold and Fungi

While most trees will die from mold and fungi infestations, the oak tree stands tall against these disasters. The plant leaves have tannic, halting the fungi and mold from damaging it and later causing death. The tree overcomes adversity that would otherwise eliminate other trees.

Makes Sustainable Furniture

Due to the life-long nature of the oak tree, you can materialize sustainable furniture from it. Oakwood is best for furniture such as tables, veneers, wardrobes, and flooring wood. The wood is hardy, colorful, and very hard to wear out.

Makes Wine Barrels

Barrels made from oak enhance the color and taste of wine. It is best to use oak barrels when storing wine, spirits, and Irish whiskey. The oak-made barrels enhance their resistance to ripening and give the liquors a great texture.

A Symbol of Strength

Oaktree is the oldest tree on earth. They also have excellent properties and endure adversity. All these properties make it an excellent representation of strength. Countries like America, France, England, and Cyprus, among others, have made the oak tree a national symbol that signifies strength and power.

Bonus

Oak trees come in variations, but what they have in common is that they shed their leaves in the fall (deciduous trees). Although, you will find some that are evergreen. They are tall and have a vast spread, and can also be classified as shrubs. The variations of the oak can be classified as:

Red Oaks

These trees have darker-colored trunks and leaves. Oak trees from this sub-category include pin oaks with grey barks, and its trunk is not usually seen as the branches hang way down. Another type of red oak is the water oak tree. The water oak tree has a polished trunk that becomes scaly as it ages, and its leaves are spoon-shaped. A different kind of red oak tree is the northern red oak, it is the most popular of the oak tree, and it is tall and has a reddish-gray trunk.

White Oaks

Mostly known for its wood, the white oak tree has scales that overlap on the trunks. It is also very huge and grows over 100ft high. Types of white oak trees include the eastern white oak, the English oak, which has small, rounded leaves, post oak that only grows about 50ft tall but has a huge trunk, and bur oak, a kind of white oak tree that is wildly grown in North America. There are other kinds of white oak trees worldwide.

Additionally, acorns from white oak mature quicker than acorns from red oaks. Red acorns are distasteful, and the acorns from white oaks have a sweet taste. The trunks of the oak tree are the proper distinction of which oak tree one is.

Lastly, Oak trees do more for the environment by being a shelter and food source and preventing soil erosion. Oak trees have been dated back to the sixteenth century for their use of making ships. The trees have stood the test of time and are an emblem of solidity; that is why you should protect them and grow more of them. They are excellent for the world.