In order to grow an oak tree sapling you only need an acorn. You also have the ability to buy it from a garden center. There are over 600 different types of oak trees. Oak trees can survive in different conditions. They are beautiful trees and unfortunately, there are 78 different types that are endangered.
You can choose to plant an oak tree in your garden. They can be 70 feet high and 9 feet in width. Choose the types that you like and plant them. In this article, we are going to give you tips on how you can grow an oak tree sapling and how to take care of it.
Oak Tree Sapling
There are 2 well-known types of oak trees the white oak and the red oak. What you need to do for your oak tree sapling is to study the leaves. The leaves of the white oak haven’t got bristles on the lobes whereas the leaves of the red oak have bristles on the lobes.
The tools that you will cut the leaves will play an important role. The shears are the safest option because they will not damage the leaves and there is a big chance that you will get the oak tree sapling.
There are steps that you can follow in order to have an oak tree sapling. The first thing that you need to do is to collect the acorns. You can do that from late September to November. You will find them under oak trees and you can gather them. Be careful which ones you will gather because they need to be plump.
The acorns that come from the white oak can be planted right away. The acorns that come from the red oak need to be stored for next spring. You need to store the acorns that come from the red oak until you germinate them the next spring.
Storing the acorns is your 2nd step in order to have a successful oak tree sapling. You need to keep the acorns moist when you store them. You don’t want them to dry because they will lose their viability and you don’t want this to happen.
What you need to do is to place the acorns in a plastic bag. This bag should also contain peat mix or sawdust, and damp peat moss. Once you close it, put it in the refrigerator and make sure that the temperature will be from 32 to 40 degrees F. They shouldn’t freeze.
The acorns that come from the red oak tree will need the minimum 42 days. You will be able to plant them at the end of April in order to have your oak tree sapling. You can also check them every 2 weeks in order to make sure that there isn’t any mold.
If you notice that there is mold then remove the ones that have the mold and leave the bag open for the air to enter. Once you make sure that the acorns are all right it’s time to plant them.
Planting the Oak Tree
Oak tree saplings come in 6 different varieties. These varieties can grow into trees. In order to plant the acorns, you will need planting pots. From the acorns that you have, choose the ones that look healthy. When you will plant them use potting soil and fill the pot with 1 gallon.
Don’t forget that the pot must have holes and a tray for the water to pass. In this way, your oak tree saplings won’t develop mold. The roots of the oak tree grow quite quickly so you have the ability to use a larger pot in order for them to have enough space to grow.
The potting soil should be 12 inches deep into the pot and when you plant the acorns place them 1 inch deep into the potting soil. Cover them and then add water. The potting soil should be moist but don’t overdo it with the watering. Also, keep in mind that the pot should also be resistant to freezing because you want to have healthy oak tree saplings.
Transplanting the Seeds
When the first leaves of your oak tree saplings grow and they look healthy and strong you can transplant them. It will take approximately 3 weeks for the leaves to grow. You will need to dig a very big hole in your garden and also keep in mind that the oak tree will be big (it depends on the variety that you chose).
Plant it in an area that you will have a big space. Additionally, before you transfer your seedlings in the soil make sure that the soil is healthy and it doesn’t have any infestations. You want to provide the best environment to your oak tree saplings.
What you need to do next is to remove the root ball from the pot and place it in the soil. The root crown should be at the soil level. Cover it with water and add compost too. If you will choose to transplant an oak tree sapling follow our next tip.
If you will buy it from a nursery then you will follow the same process but the hole must be three times bigger than the previous one. What you need to do next is to take care of the oak tree sapling.
Taking Care of the Tree Sapling
You need to take of your oak tree saplings. In order to protect them, you need to place cages because you don’t want them to be consumed by animals. Protect the saplings until they reach 5 feet. During the 1st year water them regularly. You can use a soaker ball or hose to water them.
When the weather will be colder water it once a week. If you want to use fertilizer then you should wait for the 2nd year to come. Oak trees grow slowly at the beginning. Use the instructions and you will be fine.
Growing an oak tree and taking care of it isn’t difficult at all. All you need to do is to follow our tips. It is a beautiful tree that you will have for years. When you will create you seedlings make sure to transplant them in the proper way. If you do this, you will have a healthy and strong tree. Enjoy!
