White Oak Planting Guide

Care When Trees Arrive

• Open immediately and keep roots damp.

• Store cool and shaded; heel in if delayed more than a week.

• Keep roots in a bucket of water while planting.

Sunlight & Location

• Full sun preferred, tolerates some light shade.

• Deep, well-drained loamy soils best; avoid wet ground.

• Space 30–40 ft apart.

Soil & Amendments

• Prefers slightly acidic soils (pH 5.5–6.5).

• On clay soils, raise planting height slightly and add organic matter.

Planting Steps

1. Dig hole twice as wide as root spread.

2. Spread roots evenly, backfill with soil.

3. Water in thoroughly.

Watering & Fertilizer

• First year: water weekly (5 gallons/tree).

• Fertilize in year two with a light spring application of balanced fertilizer.

Tree Tubes & Protection

• Use 4–5 ft tubes for browse protection.

• Mulch 2–3 inches around base, not against trunk.

Pruning

• Minimal at planting; only remove broken or crossing branches.

• Encourage a single strong leader.