Oak Trees

Oak Trees are deciduous, meaning that they shed their leaves in autumn/fall. They are known for their longevity and the strength of their timber, which is often used in furniture and boatbuilding. There are many things to take into consideration when planting Oak Trees, particularly if planting in a garden.

The first and probably most important subject is the size of a fully-grown Oak tree. As with any tree, you should make sure that you have enough space for it in your garden. These trees can and usually do take up quite a lot of space in your garden. If you live in a town house, it is doubtful that you will have enough room, unless it is the only plant you are planning to grow in the garden. You may also need to consider your neighbour's garden as your tree may eventually shade parts of his or her garden at certain times of the day. This is not likely to cement a good relationship, especially in the summer when they will be trying to make the most of their garden.

Along with the size of the tree, you must consider the size and extent of the root system. If your Oak Tree is planted too close to a building, your house for example, it is possible and even probable that the roots will gradually cause structural damage over the years.

Soil condition is not as important for growing Oak Trees as it might be for many other trees or plants. They are mountain trees and simply need good drainage and reasonable soil. They will therefore thrive in most gardens.

There are many varieties of Oak Tree available to today's gardener. The one most easily recognised by most people is the Quercus robur L.(Common Oak), which can be found in most European countries. Common Oak Trees grow to a height of approximately 30 to 40m though there are many cultivated varieties some of which may vary and can be difficult to distinguish from wild Oak Trees.

Many of them are hard to get and might not be easily identified by most people as being Oak Trees. For example, the Quercus dalechampii and Quercus pubescens (Downy Oak) both of which are smaller trees of about 10 to 20m whose leaves are not at all as distinctive since the curves do not reach as far into the leaf as they do on the leaf of the Common Oak. The shapes of these trees are as completely different from each other as they both are from the Common Oak Tree.

A very popular Oak Tree in European gardens is Quercus rubra Du Roi (Red Oak). It is native to the USA and has been grown in commercial forests and ornamental gardens. It is a tall tree of about 30 to 40m and although it is called the Red Oak, it only becomes red in late summer and autumn/fall, up to then it its leaves are green.

The usual time to plant Oak Trees is in autumn/fall as with most trees. This is when growth has slowed of stopped and there is little risk of interfering with the development of the tree. The ground should be cleared and prepared for the tree. Remove all weeds from a space about one meter around the spot where you plan to put the Oak Tree. Fork the ground well adding compost, particularly of the soil is light and needs help.

Regardless of the size of the Oak Tree you are planting, you should ensure that it is well staked. The best way to do this is to drive the stake into the ground while the hole id open, before putting in the tree. This will ensure that the stake is solid and in a good position to support the tree. Occasionally the trees roots are damaged when driving the stake into the ground if you do it after planting.

When your Oak Tree is delivered, it will usually be in either a bucket or a sack protecting the root ball. Opinion is divided on this but, my opinion is that the root ball should be spread out and placed carefully in the hole. This gives the roots a head start and maximum opportunity to feed in spring. However, many people claim equal success by just putting the root ball in the hole and filling it in (without the bucket). This is the correct system to use for conifers.

If spreading the roots you will have a good opportunity to check them for breaks, disease or other damage. If you do find any you must remove the damaged area. This can be done with a pruning shears or a saw. Make sure that your equipment is clean so you do not infect the roots in the process.

If the roots are dry soak them in water for a couple of hours before planting. They are unlikely to need water until they begin to grow again in spring but, it is never good to let the roots get too dry. If the ground is unlikely to be free of frost or ice until spring soak the area well before planting. Most Oaks are hardy but do not take to these extremes very well in the long term. If in doubt, check with your local garden centre to see if they have a variety of Oak Tree that will do well in your climate.