An oak tree can grow to be absolutely massive and live for centuries. Because of their size and deep root systems, these trees really don’t handle being moved once they’ve settled in. That’s why picking the perfect “forever home” for your oak from day one is so important. Here’s how to find the right spot in your yard.
Give your tree plenty of elbow room
When an oak reaches maturity, its trunk and canopy can reach impressive heights of up to 130 feet, with a spread nearly 50 feet wide. That’s a lot of tree! You’ll want to make sure you have plenty of open space for that broad crown to expand. To keep your oak happy and growing strong, pick a spot where it can soak up sunlight from all sides rather than being stuck in the shadow of other buildings or trees. And don’t worry about the winter chill—oaks are tough cookies and can handle winter temperatures as low as -20°F.
When it comes to soil, oaks aren’t particularly picky. While they definitely thrive in loamy soil, standard garden dirt works just fine. They aren’t fussy about pH levels either, growing well in both acidic and alkaline ground. The most important thing is that the soil is well-draining and deep enough for the oak’s massive taproots to head straight down. Make sure the site is nutrient-rich, or give the soil a little boost by mixing in some peat moss before planting.
Caring for your oak in its new home
If you’re just planting your oak in the garden, a little extra TLC goes a long way. Along with mixing peat into the soil, I recommend spreading a layer of bark mulch over the root zone. This acts like a natural, slow-release reservoir for both water and nutrients.
Quick tips for young oaks:
- Use peat or bark mulch at the planting site
- Ensure they get plenty of direct sunlight
- Keep a close eye on soil moisture
For the first two weeks, give your new tree a bit more water than usual to help it get established. You can also toss down some fertilizer occasionally during the first few years. Once the tree is fully grown and established, it’ll be self-sufficient and won’t need you to worry about fertilizing anymore!
