Swamp White Oak?
Hello...
I recently planted a 2" diameter Swamp White Oak...or at least that is what the nursery said it was when I bought on an end of summer sale at the end of August to replace a Black Walnut that had accidentally been cut down by a tree service in July about 5 feet away from the stump. I have two questions as I am slowly learning all I can about tree care...
1. Is this actually a White Swamp Oak? I planted a smaller seedling Swamp White that was purchased from a local Menards for $10 and is about .5" diameter and about 6 feet tall, however its leaves are twice if not more in size than the 2" inch diameter tree. (attached are some photos of the tree) I can't seem figure out if this tree was sold properly at the nursery. In fact when I google search, the leaves almost look closer to a Swamp Chestnut. I am hoping it is a Swamp White since the area the tree is planted in is a low spot in the yard and does hold water as it is all thick clay. Any opinions on if this is a Swamp White Oak even though its leaves are half the size of a younger version of it?
2. I want to make sure the tree is able to grow properly as I have had trees with multiple leaders split during Midwest storms. The tree is currently growing into two main leaders about 10-12 feet up. So the two leaders are roughly 12-14" above the fork right now. The tree already has a significant curve about 6 feet up due to the nursery pruning once to a single leader. The "thicker" leader at the top curves the tree even further in that direction and also then splits itself into 3. The less "thick" leader is the straighter of the two and about an inch or two shorter. Should I prune the thicker leader that splits back to the joint and leave the thinner one as the main leader? Or should I leave the tree grow as is? Or prune off the thinner leader and leave the thicker one that curves the tree more and then prune that leader from 3 branches to one? See pics....
Here you can see the curve in the trunk already...
Here are the leaves which are half the size of my Swamp White seedling...
Bark to help identify....
Here are the "U" shaped leaders...
Thanks in advance...
Comments (13)
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
6 years ago
Smivies (Ontario - 5b)
6 years agoRelated Discussions
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Comments (1)Example with acorns on parent tree.... This post was edited by Oakseed1 on Tue, Mar 11, 14 at 15:30...See Moreyoung swamp white oak trunk
Comments (5)On the higher cut, trim off that stub at an angle so that it is almost but not quite flush to the main stem. On the lower one it looks like you have the correct angle but could go a little closer, being careful not to cut into the collar.They will heal quickly and will not impact future growth....See Morepruning swamp white oak to single leader
Comments (7)Excellent advice ^. Ed Gilman there is an acknowledged leader in tree care issues. BTW, even though we constantly advise that youngish trees be pruned for single leader, it has been my experience that swamp white oaks hardly ever have any structural issues with just the way they grow themselves. Even at ten feet, it may be completely acceptable for such a tree to begin splitting into its component main leaders. If you do elect to prune, look at the U of FL link and especially, investigate "subordination pruning". This is exactly what you will want to do. +oM...See MoreOak tree ID: Is this a swamp white oak?
Comments (10)if i had to do it .... i would get a pot.. and some cactus mix.. and transplant it ASAP ... and get it accustomed to the pot.. before the long drive home. and then i would put the pot in full shade and not plant it in mother earth.. until the leaves fall off ... trees do not like regular high peat media... it can hold too much water .. they like a drink and near total drainage ... even to be dry for a day or two .. before wetting again .... but in a small pot.. dont let the pot get too hot.. nor too dry.. while holding the plant over ... even if you have to stick the pot in the soil.. to temper august heat ... but dont shock it twice.. by digging it up.. then transporting it .. and then immediately replanting it... wait.. thats three shocks... and on the drive home.. no stopping for 12 afternoon drinks.. and leaving your pet tree in a closed car on the parking lot... crikey.. traveling with plants is worse than kids.. you just cant leave them in a closed locked car ... lol ... make sense...?? someone else can ID it for you .. but why not practice regardless... good luck.. let us know how it works out ... ken ps: i was told .. long ago.. its hard to ID oak babes.. as mature leaf form is better for ID ....but it sure does look like a swamper to my untrained eye .......See More
Dave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A
6 years agotreenutt
6 years agoCraig Miller
6 years agoThanks for the replys so far....
attached is a photo of the underside...the leaves do not feel fuzzy underneath...they just feel like a plain leaf. The younger Swamp White does feel fuzzy on bottom side.
I assumed the tree was stressed which is maybe why the leaves grew small this year compared to the younger SWO and all leaves are curling.
Would a large tree nursery really mislabel a tree? The tag around it did say Swamp White when I bought it as does the receipt.
If this is a Swamp Chestnut will there be issues where this is planted since it is of poor drainage and water will pool for several hours in heavy rains with it being heavy clay in the south Chicago burbs.
treenutt
6 years agohairmetal4ever
6 years agoalabamatreehugger 8b SW Alabama
6 years agohairmetal4ever
6 years agoLucas Machias
6 years agohairmetal4ever
6 years agoLucas Machias
6 years ago
alabamatreehugger 8b SW Alabama