Pruning young oak trees - Ask Extension
I have grown several white oak trees from acorns and they range in age from 5-10 years old and are 3-5 feet tall. At what age should I prune the lower...
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Pruning young oak trees #853284
Asked October 16, 2023, 7:51 PM EDT
I have grown several white oak trees from acorns and they range in age from 5-10 years old and are 3-5 feet tall. At what age should I prune the lower branches to begin to shape the trees and encourage upward growth? What are the general rules for pruning young oaks?
Ramsey County Minnesota
Expert Response
Thank you for writing.
First, to decrease the chance of pruning wounds exposing these trees to oak wilt, you should prune between Dec 15 and March 1.
Second, these are young trees. Protect their bark from rabbits and mice with a loose fitting hardware cloth collar going from the ground to the lowest branch. Put this on by Nov 15 and remove in first half of april.
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/pruning-trees-and-shrubs#general-pruning-guidelines-1335960
https://www.finegardening.com/project-guides/pruning/proper-pruning-for-young-trees
If you send me a picture from several sides of one tree, I can make suggestions.
Spacing is also important. Oaks are big trees. Each should have enough room to be an adult. This will help decrease the spread of diseases through the roots.
First, to decrease the chance of pruning wounds exposing these trees to oak wilt, you should prune between Dec 15 and March 1.
Second, these are young trees. Protect their bark from rabbits and mice with a loose fitting hardware cloth collar going from the ground to the lowest branch. Put this on by Nov 15 and remove in first half of april.
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/pruning-trees-and-shrubs#general-pruning-guidelines-1335960
https://www.finegardening.com/project-guides/pruning/proper-pruning-for-young-trees
If you send me a picture from several sides of one tree, I can make suggestions.
Spacing is also important. Oaks are big trees. Each should have enough room to be an adult. This will help decrease the spread of diseases through the roots.
Here is a view of one of the trees to be pruned.
Here is the cut lines for winter.
Send me a photo when done.
If the white circled plant is another tree, it is far too close.
Send me a photo when done.
If the white circled plant is another tree, it is far too close.
Steve,
Thanks again for the information. I will prune the oak as suggested. The other plant that you can see in the photo is a dogwood shrub. I do not plan on keeping it, but for now, it blocks the view of the neighbor’s backyard.
Martin
On Oct 18, 2023, at 2:34 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Steve,
Thanks for your tips on pruning and caring for my young oaks. I have attached 3 photos of one of the oaks in question. It is about 6 years old and 4-5 feet tall, and was transplanted 2 years ago.
Thanks,
Martin
On Oct 16, 2023, at 11:43 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
It is hard to read your pictures and I can't tell what is shading the oak, but it seems to be developing asymmetrically. Be mindful of that as you care for it.
Steve,
Here is a photo of the pruned oak tree you requested. Again, thanks for your help.
On 10/18/2023 2:34 PM CDT Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Perfect.
Sit tight for two years,
If that dogwood is to the north of the oak, it can stay for now. If it is on the south or west side, take it out this season.
Sit tight for two years,
If that dogwood is to the north of the oak, it can stay for now. If it is on the south or west side, take it out this season.
