White Oak Trees for Deer – 2-Year Bare-Root Seedlings

Two-year-old white oak seedlings for deer habitat, reforestation and native tree plantings. Each quantity ordered is one seed-grown, dormant bare-root tree, approximately 12–36 inches tall, grown for two growing seasons in our air-pruning nursery beds in South Carolina. Tree tubes and stakes are available separately. Weed control is recommended during establishment.

Product Details

• Common name: White Oak
• Scientific name: Quercus alba
• Type: Dormant bare-root seedling
• Age: Two growing seasons
• Height at shipping: Approximately 12–36 inches
• Growing method: Air-pruning nursery beds in South Carolina
• USDA hardiness zones: Zones 3–9
• Current shipping zones: Spring: Zones 6–9; late fall/winter: eligible destinations in Zones 7–9
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial sun
• Soil: Well-drained soil
• Preferred soil pH: Approximately 4.5–6.8
• Wildlife use: Acorns for deer, turkey, squirrels and other wildlife
• Best uses: Wildlife habitat, reforestation, timber plantings and legacy trees
• Recommended protection: Five-foot tree tube, sturdy stake and consistent weed control

Preorder Shipping

Select your shipping season before adding trees to your cart. Spring 2027 shipping serves eligible destinations in USDA Zones 6–9. Late Fall/Winter 2026–27 shipping serves eligible destinations in Zones 7–9, with a limited fall window for Zone 7. We do not ship to California, Alaska or Hawaii. Trees ship dormant during the appropriate planting window rather than immediately after ordering. Timing depends on dormancy, destination weather and transit conditions. See the shipping calendar for estimated dates by zone.

Native White Oak for Wildlife and Reforestation

Our seed-grown white oak seedlings are an excellent choice for landowners establishing native wildlife habitat, future timber, reforestation plantings and long-term property value. White oak produces highly preferred acorns for deer, turkey, squirrels and other wildlife while developing into a durable, long-lived native tree.

We grow each seedling in an air-pruning nursery bed at White Oak Orchard in South Carolina. This growing method encourages a dense, fibrous root system rather than circling roots, helping prepare the tree for successful establishment and long-term growth after planting.

Why Plant White Oak?

White oak provides valuable benefits for wildlife, timber and long-term land improvement:

• Native mast-producing tree for deer, turkey and other wildlife
• Highly preferred acorns with relatively low tannin levels
• Strong, durable wood with future timber potential
• Excellent choice for reforestation and habitat restoration
• Adaptable to several well-drained soil types once established
• Long-lived legacy tree that can benefit future generations

Best Planting Sites

White oak performs best in full sun to partial sun and well-drained soil. Suitable locations include field edges, open woods, wildlife corridors, reforestation areas and long-term habitat plantings. Avoid low areas where water remains after heavy rain.

Young white oaks grow more slowly than some other species and benefit from consistent weed control, protection from deer browse and adequate moisture during establishment.

Wildlife Value

White oak acorns are a highly preferred natural food for deer, turkey, squirrels and other wildlife. Although white oak generally develops more slowly than faster-producing mast trees, it provides exceptional long-term value as a native habitat and legacy tree.

Planting white oak alongside faster-producing species such as hybrid chestnut and sawtooth oak can provide a combination of earlier mast production and long-term native habitat value.

When Will White Oak Produce Acorns?

White oak is a long-term mast investment. First acorn production and the size and frequency of crops vary with genetics, tree age, sunlight, site conditions and care. Early crops are not guaranteed, and substantial production can take decades.

Planting and Protection

Keep bare roots moist and protected until planting. Review our White Oak planting guide for planting depth, watering and early care. Protect young trees from deer browsing and rubbing with tree tubes and support stakes, and control competing grass and weeds.

For a mixed native oak planting, pair white oak with two-year-old Shumard oak seedlings. Allow adequate room for each species' mature canopy.

Seedling size, growth and acorn production vary with genetics, growing conditions, weather and care.