Bur Oak

What you'll need:

A Bur Oak sapling or acorns (if planting from seed)

Shovel or spade

Compost or well-rotted manure (optional, to enrich the soil)

Mulch (wood chips or bark mulch work great)

• A spacious area in your yard (Bur Oaks can grow quite large over time!)

Choosing a spot:

Bur Oaks love sunlight and space! They can grow up to 70-80 feet tall with an equally wide spread, so pick a location that gives them room to thrive. Make sure it's somewhere with full sun—at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day.

Timing:

The best time to plant a Bur Oak is in early spring or fall when temperatures are mild. If you're starting with acorns, collect them in the fall right after they drop from the tree, then plant immediately or store them in a cool place until spring.

Soil prep:

Bur Oaks aren't too fussy about soil, but they do prefer well-drained areas. If your soil is heavy clay, mix in some compost or sand to help with drainage. Dig a hole that’s about twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball of your sapling.

If planting an acorn:

1. Soak the acorn in water for 24 hours before planting. This helps soften the outer shell and kickstart germination.
2. Find a sunny spot and dig a small hole about 1-2 inches deep.
3. Place the acorn on its side in the hole and cover it lightly with soil.
4. Water gently but thoroughly.
5. Cover the area with a thin layer of mulch to keep moisture in, but don’t pile it directly against the acorn.

If planting a sapling:

1. Gently remove the sapling from its container and loosen any tangled roots.
2. Place the sapling in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding ground.
3. Backfill the hole with soil, pressing down lightly as you go to remove air pockets.
4. Water generously right after planting to help settle the soil around the roots.
5. Spread a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.

Tip: Don't plant the tree too deep—this can cause problems later on. The top of the root ball should be at ground level.

Watering:

• For the first year, water your Bur Oak regularly, especially during dry spells. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week (including rainfall).
• Once established, Bur Oaks are pretty drought-tolerant, but young trees still need consistent moisture to develop strong roots.
• Water deeply but less frequently, which encourages roots to grow downward instead of staying near the surface.

Mulching:

• Keep a layer of mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
• Refresh the mulch every year or two, but remember to keep it a few inches away from the trunk to avoid rot.

Pruning:

• Prune sparingly during the first few years if needed. Remove any dead or damaged branches in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
• Avoid heavy pruning; Bur Oaks naturally develop a strong structure without much intervention.

Fertilizing:

• In most cases, Bur Oaks don’t need fertilizer once they’re established. If your soil is particularly poor, you can add a slow-release fertilizer in early spring during the tree’s first few years.

Dealing with pests:

• Bur Oaks are generally tough, but watch out for signs of insects like oak leafrollers or galls. These usually don’t harm the tree significantly, but if you notice excessive damage, consult a local nursery for advice.

While you won't harvest fruit in the traditional sense (like apples or berries), Bur Oaks produce acorns! Here’s what to expect:

When will I see acorns?

• Young Bur Oaks typically start producing acorns after 20-30 years, so patience is key. But once they begin, they’ll produce plenty of acorns each fall.

How to collect acorns:

• Acorns will naturally fall from the tree in autumn. You can gather them off the ground, but make sure to inspect them for holes or insect damage.
• If you want to use the acorns for planting more trees, soak them in water for a day or two, then plant them right away or store them in a cool, dry place for spring planting.

Using acorns:

• While humans don’t eat acorns raw (they contain tannins that need to be leached out), they can be processed into flour or used in recipes. Wildlife like squirrels and deer also love them!

Q: How fast does a Bur Oak grow?

A: Bur Oaks are considered slow to moderate growers, adding about 1-2 feet per year. They take their time, but they live for centuries, so they’re worth the wait!

Q: Can I grow a Bur Oak in a small yard?

A: It’s not ideal because these trees get very large. However, if you have limited space, consider planting a smaller variety of oak or consulting an arborist to manage its growth carefully.

Q: My Bur Oak leaves look yellow—what’s wrong?

A: Yellow leaves could mean several things: too much water, not enough nutrients, or even compacted soil. Check your watering habits and ensure the soil drains well. Adding some compost around the base may help, too.

Q: Do Bur Oaks lose their leaves in winter?

A: Yes! Bur Oaks are deciduous, meaning they shed their leaves every fall. This is completely normal, and new leaves will sprout again in the spring.

Q: What should I do if my Bur Oak isn’t growing straight?

A: Young trees sometimes lean due to wind or uneven growth. You can stake the tree temporarily to help it grow upright, but avoid leaving the stake on for too long—it can weaken the trunk.