Shumard Oak Planting Guide

Care When Trees Arrive

• Unpack immediately and keep roots moist.
• Store in a cool, shaded place until planting.
• If delayed more than a week, “heel in” roots with moist soil.
• Keep roots in a 5-gallon bucket of water while planting to prevent drying.

Sunlight & Location

• Full sun (6–8 hrs daily).
• Best on well-drained bottomland or upland soils.
• Space 30–40 ft apart.

Soil & Amendments

• Tolerates a range of soils but prefers deep loamy soil, pH 6–7.
• For heavy clay: plant slightly above grade, amend with compost or pine bark fines.

Planting Steps

1. Dig hole twice as wide as roots, depth of root collar.
2. Spread roots outward, trim broken ends.
3. Backfill with soil, firm gently, and water in well.

Watering & Fertilizer

• Water weekly the first year (5 gallons/tree).
• Fertilize lightly in year two with balanced fertilizer in spring.

Tree Tubes & Protection

• Use 4–5 ft vented tree tubes for deer protection.
• Stake firmly, mulch lightly, and remove after 3–5 years.

Pruning

• Remove damaged branches only.
• Maintain one central leader.