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Need Advice for My Sprouting Oak Trees

12 years ago

My parents are moving, and last fall, I went and collected a bunch of acorns from their magnificent trees. I know that I have red oaks, and I'm not 100% sure about the others, but I believe they are Shingle Oaks and Water Oaks.

I planted the acorns about 3-4 weeks ago, After the squirrels got a bunch the first couple of nights and I moved the rest inside my screened porch, 8 have survived and sprouted(I tried a bunch of sycamores, but failed miserably with those).

I now do not know what to do as they grow bigger. My red oaks, in particular have now gotten some size to them, 1 is about 9 inches tall and the other is about 6 inches tall. They are both planted in 2 gallon pots, in about 9 inches of soil or so.

The waters and the shingles have just sprouted and are only 2-3 inches tall, BUT I know the story with oaks and their taproots - well, I know that they grow long and deep and you can't see that growth on top.

So here are my main concerns:

1) The taproot what is the next step and when so that I don't damage the taproot and/or stunt the growth of the tree, BUT I'm worried about transplanting it to the outside too early where it will get a) eaten or b) burned up by the sun

2) Now that the red oaks are starting to get bigger, I can tell they are searching for the sun. The biggest one is starting to lean in the direction of the sun out the screened in porch. Again, I worry about what to do next and when so as not to damage the tree by getting it a) eaten or b) burned up by the sun.

Any advice is greatly appreciated. I'm going to try to upload pictures of the trees.

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Comments (5)

John Wallace
Original Author
12 years ago
Alright... not exactly sure how to do photos, but here is a link.

Here is a link that might be useful: The tree sprouts in question.
Toronado3800 Zone 6 St Louis
12 years ago
Quit worrying so much and enjoy them!

Do I assume you have their permanent place picked out?

If so plant them early this fall, place some kind of wire cage around them, and water when needed. Should be free range in a year or so.

I use tomato cages and wire fences around my little fellas.

Neat project BTW.
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brandon7 TN_zone7
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Set them outside in a semi-shady area. Gradually introduce them to more light (over the next three weeks). Be sure to keep them properly watered (you may need to water once per day, check actual soil moisture through drainage holes). Once they are hardened off, I'd go ahead and plant them unless a significant amount of taproot had to be removed. If significant tap-root pruning needs to be done, you could wait until early fall, when it starts cooling down just a bit.

Here is a link that might be useful: Planting a Tree or Shrub
John Wallace
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks.

1) Regarding planting them vs. keeping them in the containers - especially keeping them in the containers until fall, do I need to be worried about the roots crowding and the taproot in particular not being able to extend far enough down? Again, their planted in about 9 inches of good soil in the containers.

I was of the understanding that the tap root will keep shooting down a couple of feet, at least.

Also the sun is a bit of a worry, it is going to be hot and sunny here in Nashville this summer.

2) What is "hardening off?"

3) Finally, the acorn on a couple of these is sitting right at soil level - mostly exposed. And the acorn is totally buried on a couple of them. Do I need to cover or uncover the acorns to ensure optimal growth?
John Wallace
Original Author
12 years ago
Following up here. I still need help. I'm worried about the soil in the pots not being deep enough.

Please help.

Thanks

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