Oak Tree

Really need some advice. I have a few gardening books and cant really find the right answers. I have just acquired a 6 foot oak tree. It had been cleared from a site to be built on and will be dumped if i dont use it, which is a shame as its very healthy. The question is do i use it. I have somewhere to put it away from the house and that place is at the bottom of my only neighbours long garden and wont block any light from her house, but im still not sure whether to use it, or will i regret it. A guy who was there when it was dug up says it takes years to get really big and we will get lots of enjoyment from it but im not sure. I know its each to their own but any experiences would be appreciated. Thanks

 

This probably won't be much help but my daughter planted an acorn 10 years ago and it is still only about 3' high. The chap you spoke to could well be right and it will take years before it becomes a nuisance. They also take about 40 years to produce acorns so you won't get lots of babies springing up.

 

Thanks, the leaves are so pretty, but i am worried about shade on the lawn etc and if the things growing around it will suffer. Since i sent the first thread i have also been thinking about the dry weather and the plants not getting watered much, the roots would obviously fight with some of the other plants near by. I am considering giving it to mother in law, she has a farm and large garden and am sure she would like it. Just have to convince hubby as i think he is quite keen on it.

 

Can see your dilemma. Mine isn't big enough to worry about the shade at the moment and we've put it in the woody bit at the bottom of the garden which has tall sycamores growing along the side so it's quite shady any way. As far as watering goes. our little one has been planted in a bucket for 2 years and we didn't water it at all this year with no ill effects. Good idea about giving it to your M-in-L I don't like throwing good trees away if I an help it.

 

Use it and love it. Very slow growing and so not a problem. It will look great and is fantastic for wild life

 

I love oak trees and think they are so majestic. I once brought an acorn home from near 'The Dambusters' dam in Germany and grew it to about 3ft.
Took it over the heath near to us, where some years ago a hurricane had blown down lots of the trees and planted it amongst other trees.
I would like to say it is now 20ft high, but sadly it just died. :(

[ 11. October 2006, 09:05 PM: Message edited by: jjordie ]

 

I think they are faster growing than many people think, I've grown different kinds and the good old english oak can get a moveon once established.
That said, I think it would be a good 30 yrs or so before it would become a problem in a largish garden, its difficult to say without knowing the site and seeing whats around.
Along as its well away from buildings, it shouldn't be a problem, if in ten years time it starts to look a problem, it will not be that difficult to cut down, if you really need to.

 

There is no earthly reason why you can't just plant it in a large container. I have a live oak from Florida, grown on from a young seedling. Its now about 6ft high with lots of branches.