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In this article, we explain how we have grown our own Oak (Quercus) trees with acorns. And how to buy oak trees online.
We have been growing our own oaks for more than ten years now. Initially, we found that acorn germination was so easy that there was little reason in going to a specialist UK propagator. This can be advisable where stratification is proving tricky. With the Elms, we had to go to a Scottish company who produced about 2000 seedlings using our meristematic tissue in a test tube. Even that can be fraught. They had three tries before we eventually had a successful uptake. Not so with the Oak, which is harvested in September and is almost always viable. View our range of Oak trees here.
Growing on Quercus Robur
Once they are grown into seedlings they are then transplanted into rows with wider spacing to facilitate strong growth. Between then and the final lifting stage as a heavy standard tree, they are transplanted on two more occasions to aid strong root growth. By keeping the cycle in-house, we have avoided any exposure to some nasty diseases like Oak Processionary Moth.
The problem we always come up against with Oak production is the tree’s tendency to fork out rather than shoot straight upward and form a nice straight stem. This is known as a lack of “apical” dominance. One way to cure this is by growing trees closer together to force the shoots upwards towards the sunlight. However, this may lead to a lack of airflow between the trees, which in turn may invite mildew onto the leaf area during the summer months, which can seriously stunt growth. The inevitable solution is to use a stout bamboo cane and tie the top shoot onto it during the tree’s progression. Very labour intensive, but not usually apparent to the customer who ends up purchasing such a fine specimen!
Buy Oak Trees in 2023 with OPM Restrictions
Oak Processionary Moth (OPM) has caused great concern where the tree industry is concerned. For the last few years, there have been movement restrictions placed on all Oak trees 8+ centimetres in girth at 1.2m above the root collar. These OPM restrictions and the location of the Nursery mean King and Co can not ship or sell Oak trees of 8cm girth or greater outside of the protected zone.
The Nursery has achieved Plant Healthy Certification. This means King and Co a nursery upholding the highest standards of biosecurity in the plants and tree industry. The Nursery has taken the decision to only stock Oak trees under 8 centimetres in girth to help protect the Oak trees and health of those living near Oak trees. The OPM caterpillars can cause breathing difficulties in both people and animals, so it is best to stay well away from a suspected case and contact the Forestry Commission.
