Yes, we have seen bonsai oaks as well, but this one is just a tree - Alina W, so very glad to hear about your 25 year old oak in a pot - what size pot? Ours is now about 10 foot tall, but I don't expect it to get much more because of the root restrictions. Do you prune it or anything?
It's 18" across and as deep, Bookertoo - I have to try and keep the size down as I really have no room. It does get pruned to keep it in shape, and moved regularly to stop it rooting into the ground beneath (I had a twisted willow do that once - guess I should have been suspicious when it put on a spurt of growth!) My main problem is that it keeps getting oak gall, probaby from the mature oaks nearby.
Mine is on an even larger pot, but I possibly have more space than you have. The pot is on a paved area, so in principle the roots can't go through - but I'd not realy trust that! It could never be moved save by a JCB, unless the pot was broken up. I have had several things go through their pots, a large acer in our garden must have done that years ago, as it is far too big to be living in its pot alone. I won't try to remove the pot as it must be full of roots, but I am fascinated by the idea it has this narrow root through the hole and then a major root mass, unless it has broken the bottom of the pot out. I have never pruned our oak yet, bar the odd dead twig - do you do it in the winter when it is dormant? We have no mature oaks too close so as yet it has not caught anything horrible. I don't think oak gall is harmful though is it?
Hi there, I am looking to plant some oak tree specimens that have been sown from seed and pot grown for the last year. They are healthy specimens with lots of foliage and have been in a glass house during this period. The areas I am to plant them in are very exposed, and vulnerable to potential rabbit and deer damage as is out in the sticks. I am really looking for some advice and guidance, in regards to suitable protection along with staking. Wether to prune a lot of the growth off before using a tree guard, or to enclose the area as a whole and simply stake the trees? Any guidance or help would be massively appreciated as I do not want to risk the well being of the trees, as there is a certain degree of sentimental value to the family as they collected the seeds and proceeded to grow, much appreciated for reading and any help if possible, Lewis
I'd protect each one separately Lewis as the damage from deer and rabbits could be substantial which would be a real shame. It shouldn't be necessary to prune off lower branches unless they're big. Staking's vital if they are more than just whips but, as they've been raised inside, I think you need to take some time to harden them off thoroughly as they're going in an exposed site, although I'd be prepared for a few casualties anyway.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Hi there, the specimens vary in size, 3 foot to 5 I'd say. The majority are abundant in foliage that's why I think I may need to prune, as getting an individual sleeve over the trees along with a stake inside, may cause damage possibly to the lower limbs? The client is prepared for some casualties as has asked me to plant more than necessary in the required areas, with the possibility of lifting and moving any survivors in inadequate space elsewhere next year. How would you recommend hardening them off fairy girl before eventually planting them in their exposed environment? Positioning or planting them elsewhere initially to get them use to some degree of the fine British weather, before then planting them in their required areas?
That's pretty much it lewis. It's just a gradual process but as it's warming up a bit it shouldn't take too long. As they're a reasonable size they may sulk a bit at first so I wouldn't rush it- take a few weeks. Don't know where you are but I'm in Scotland so that's why I'm suggesting taking it easy-we're aware of how damaging our weather can be up here! Prepare your planting holes well too and make sure they don't go short of water till established.Good luck with it-it's lovely that they've all been 'home grown'
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
All the luck in the world with the move of the oak trees - please do let us know how you get on - and how they look in situ, if the client doesn't mind that.
Thanks very much in regards to help and guidance, and also wishing us well. Will do just that fairly girl in regards to weaning them in to their new environment, before planting them in their fixed setting. Am from Falkirk myself originally but am now based down in Oxfordshire where the work is to be carried out. when planting them in their final location, I think I am going to protect each specimen individually with a tree guard and stake. Then protect the whole area with some fencing to hopefully avoid any deer damage, how does this sound? Will let you both know how get on as the client won't mind at all, and hopefully the specimens will thrive with the right amount of aftercare. Although if we have another day like yesterday wind wise, they may end up in the farmers field next door
Posts
Yes, we have seen bonsai oaks as well, but this one is just a tree - Alina W, so very glad to hear about your 25 year old oak in a pot - what size pot? Ours is now about 10 foot tall, but I don't expect it to get much more because of the root restrictions. Do you prune it or anything?
It's 18" across and as deep, Bookertoo - I have to try and keep the size down as I really have no room. It does get pruned to keep it in shape, and moved regularly to stop it rooting into the ground beneath (I had a twisted willow do that once - guess I should have been suspicious when it put on a spurt of growth!) My main problem is that it keeps getting oak gall, probaby from the mature oaks nearby.
Mine is on an even larger pot, but I possibly have more space than you have. The pot is on a paved area, so in principle the roots can't go through - but I'd not realy trust that! It could never be moved save by a JCB, unless the pot was broken up. I have had several things go through their pots, a large acer in our garden must have done that years ago, as it is far too big to be living in its pot alone. I won't try to remove the pot as it must be full of roots, but I am fascinated by the idea it has this narrow root through the hole and then a major root mass, unless it has broken the bottom of the pot out. I have never pruned our oak yet, bar the odd dead twig - do you do it in the winter when it is dormant? We have no mature oaks too close so as yet it has not caught anything horrible. I don't think oak gall is harmful though is it?
Hi there, I am looking to plant some oak tree specimens that have been sown from seed and pot grown for the last year. They are healthy specimens with lots of foliage and have been in a glass house during this period. The areas I am to plant them in are very exposed, and vulnerable to potential rabbit and deer damage as is out in the sticks. I am really looking for some advice and guidance, in regards to suitable protection along with staking. Wether to prune a lot of the growth off before using a tree guard, or to enclose the area as a whole and simply stake the trees? Any guidance or help would be massively appreciated as I do not want to risk the well being of the trees, as there is a certain degree of sentimental value to the family as they collected the seeds and proceeded to grow, much appreciated for reading and any help if possible, Lewis
How big are your oak saplings?
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
I'd protect each one separately Lewis as the damage from deer and rabbits could be substantial which would be a real shame. It shouldn't be necessary to prune off lower branches unless they're big. Staking's vital if they are more than just whips but, as they've been raised inside, I think you need to take some time to harden them off thoroughly as they're going in an exposed site, although I'd be prepared for a few casualties anyway.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Hi there, the specimens vary in size, 3 foot to 5 I'd say. The majority are abundant in foliage that's why I think I may need to prune, as getting an individual sleeve over the trees along with a stake inside, may cause damage possibly to the lower limbs? The client is prepared for some casualties as has asked me to plant more than necessary in the required areas, with the possibility of lifting and moving any survivors in inadequate space elsewhere next year. How would you recommend hardening them off fairy girl before eventually planting them in their exposed environment? Positioning or planting them elsewhere initially to get them use to some degree of the fine British weather, before then planting them in their required areas?
That's pretty much it lewis. It's just a gradual process but as it's warming up a bit it shouldn't take too long. As they're a reasonable size they may sulk a bit at first so I wouldn't rush it- take a few weeks. Don't know where you are but I'm in Scotland so that's why I'm suggesting taking it easy-we're aware of how damaging our weather can be up here! Prepare your planting holes well too and make sure they don't go short of water till established.Good luck with it-it's lovely that they've all been 'home grown'
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
All the luck in the world with the move of the oak trees - please do let us know how you get on - and how they look in situ, if the client doesn't mind that.
Thanks very much in regards to help and guidance, and also wishing us well. Will do just that fairly girl in regards to weaning them in to their new environment, before planting them in their fixed setting. Am from Falkirk myself originally but am now based down in Oxfordshire where the work is to be carried out. when planting them in their final location, I think I am going to protect each specimen individually with a tree guard and stake. Then protect the whole area with some fencing to hopefully avoid any deer damage, how does this sound? Will let you both know how get on as the client won't mind at all, and hopefully the specimens will thrive with the right amount of aftercare. Although if we have another day like yesterday wind wise, they may end up in the farmers field next door