Transplanting Oak Trees

[lildorris00]

Has anyone tried to transplant oak trees? I've got some land that we had 10-12 acres of pines cleared that we will not be replanted. There are no oak saplings around b/c it has been planted pines for so long. Around my house, I have plenty of large oak trees so there are oak saplings all over the place. I have my eye on a few trees that are probably 10-12 ft tall, 3-5 inches in diameter, probably a few years old that I am thinking about digging up and planting at the land.

Will the trees survive? Any thoughts or ideas?

 

[flatwoods]

I have. Winter is best. I remember losing quite a few but some made it.
The ground you are digging from will play a big role. If it is decent dirt and you can get the roots, that will help.

Planting acorns is an option too.

 

[RedFoxx]

i would dig some up and pot them up in small pots and keep them going that way for awhile and then when you plant plant the entire dirt and all from the pot without breaking it up...maybe plant them this winter when they are dormant and see....they should live if you get some rain or you may have to water them a few times... i have done small pines and oaks this way and most lived..

 

[NCHillbilly]

Oaks are very hard to transplant compared to many other trees. I have had success, but more failure. The smaller the better. Redfoxx gave some good advice.

 

[RedFoxx]

pots like these will help for things that have a taproot and you dont want to mess it up.. i used these and they seemed to help. dont know if link is ok to post... if not search tree pots on amazon...
https://www.greenhousemegastore.com/products/deepot-tree-pots?variant=42701231227079

 

[Jim Boyd]

I would consider a sawtooth program.

These small ones were started this past spring and will be ready to transplant this winter.

The other one is 3 years old or so.

Good luck.

 

[Nicodemus]

I don`t try to transplant oaks but have good luck growing from acorns into pots then transplanting in 2 years. All I fool with anymore are swamp chestnut oaks. I quit fooling with sawtooth oaks and have cut all mine down but two and they are fixing to fall to the chainsaw.

 

[antharper]

I would consider a sawtooth program.

These small ones were started this past spring and will be ready to transplant this winter.

The other one is 3 years old or so.

Good luck.
View attachment 1252876View attachment 1252877

One thing I like about the sawtooth is that the acorns fall earlier than any of the native oaks . Making a excellent early season food source that the deer absolutely love

 

[Nicodemus]

One thing I like about the sawtooth is that the acorns fall earlier than any of the native oaks . Making a excellent early season food source that the deer absolutely love

The bad thing about them though, Ant, is that they are invasive, and prone to take over, just like chinese tallow trees and privet.

 

[ucfireman]

I would get a bunch of acorns and a shovel. Plant them about an inch deep, think squirrel, and let it be.
I have tried to transplant a few but I don't remember where I put them so I have no idea of they made it.
Just plant a bunch cause the squirrels will dig them up even after they germinate.

 

[chrislibby88]

I transplanted a good handful of sawtooth seedlings this spring. Here’s a few things to know.
The taproots were as long as the stem, and not always straight. The only trees that made it were less than 1 1/2 ft tall, anything taller the taproot was too long and hard to dig up without damaging it. I put them in pots, watered and waited a few weeks to see who was gonna make it and who wasn’t. Planted them in the ground with the original dirt I dug them up with. A few died in the pots, one died in the ground, the other 7 are still alive as of now.

 

[antharper]

The bad thing about them though, Ant, is that they are invasive, and prone to take over, just like chinese tallow trees and privet.

I planted a fairly large field 3-4 ac in sawtooths about 15 or so years ago and I’ve yet to find one growing anywhere else in the area .
Some Corp property I hunt had some planted must of been 30 years ago or more because they are huge . And the whole area is covered in them of all sizes . So I know what you mean . But what are they bad for … maybe competition to native trees ?

 

[chrislibby88]

I planted a fairly large field 3-4 ac in sawtooths about 15 or so years ago and I’ve yet to find one growing anywhere else in the area .
Some Corp property I hunt had some planted must of been 30 years ago or more because they are huge . And the whole area is covered in them of all sizes . So I know what you mean . But what are they bad for … maybe competition to native trees ?

There are a bunch on one of my local WMAs. All in wildlife openings. I haven’t noticed them taking over at all. Guess they mow down the saplings.

 

[Jim Boyd]

But what are they bad for … maybe competition to native trees ?

Yes, they can be invasive. I am sure they can displace native trees.

But - I have never seen a tree more aggressive at making new trees than a persimmon tree. On our place, any field I do not keep mowed immediately springs them up.

Also - if managing for deer (and maybe turkeys also) - what is the downside of an oak tree that springs up and makes acorns in 5-6 years or so.

I can’t see the downside - or maybe I do not want to see it?

 

[deerslayer357]

Somebody tell me how to plant the acorns- pick up in fall- store where/how- then plant in spring?

 

[Nicodemus]

Somebody tell me how to plant the acorns- pick up in fall- store where/how- then plant in spring?

Acorns in the white oak family are fall germinators. Plant them in the fall. Acorns in the red oak family are spring germinators. Plant them in the spring.

Float test them all first. If they float, throw em away. If they sink, plant em.

 

[ldavid008]

Couple of things to consider that you haven't mentioned is the type of oaks in your yard and the soil type where you want to hunt.

I'd get a few Sawtooth oaks and gather some acorns out of your yard and plant them in some flower pots. Keep them watered and plant them next winter if they're compatible with the soil type.

You also should talk the local state forester, sometimes they can be a source for seedlings.

 

[NCHillbilly]

Somebody tell me how to plant the acorns- pick up in fall- store where/how- then plant in spring?

As Nic said, white oak acorns will sprout immediately, red oaks won't. The red oaks need at least a couple months of cold stratification before they'll germinate. You have to either stratify them in the fridge, or plant them in pots the fall, leave them outside, and they'll sprout in the spring. You have to guard them against squirrels, though.

 

[Jim Boyd]

Somebody tell me how to plant the acorns- pick up in fall- store where/how- then plant in spring?

Long read but this is how l got 150+ started.

Will plant as many as I can this winter and give the rest away.

100 3 gallon pots - looking for a project (found one!!)

Guys Planted 100 3 gallon bushes the last week or so and kept the pots. Went up the road to get a bunch of sawtooth acorns - was gonna plant them in the spring - but the deer beat me to them. There were 1000’s a week or so ago. I am 65 and looking for a tree project. White oaks and pecans...

forum.gon.com

 

[livinoutdoors]

You know another thread reminded me of this, but water oaks grown pretty dang fast. I know i know. Also a native tree i hear people use alot is a nuttall oak. From further west towards Mississippi river area i think, but still a native tree. Also supposed to be a fast growing oak. Better maybe than using sawtooths.