Oak seedlings from acorns??

[curber]

My only thought is - how long will it take to see some growth?

I've planted some acorns in my woods. I'm sure the deer, bear, or squirrels get them. I don't expect to see any results on them in my life, but perhaps future generations will. Oaks grow slow, don't they?

Yes they grow slow and may only get 15feet in my life but this is just a project I want to do. There are no oaks hear so naturaly I want an oak tree!! Going to see if I can do it. Thanks Pat

 

[woodchip]

My wife and I planted 3 acorns for our 3rd wedding anniversary, 2 came up and 26 years on, the trees are a respectable 15ft high and about 8 inch trunk.

I reckon the best thing is to plant an acorn for a baby.

It'll be ready to c/s/s for their retirement ;-)

 

[curber]

My wife and I planted 3 acorns for our 3rd wedding anniversary, 2 came up and 26 years on, the trees are a respectable 15ft high and about 8 inch trunk.

I reckon the best thing is to plant an acorn for a baby.

It'll be ready to c/s/s for their retirement ;-)

Yeah thats kinda what I'm thinking. Maybe I'll make a plaq to put on it before I die that tells the date planted for future's to look at. If the white oaks really live 500 years then 6 generations could see it.. Pat

 

[Wood Duck]

My only thought is - how long will it take to see some growth?

I've planted some acorns in my woods. I'm sure the deer, bear, or squirrels get them. I don't expect to see any results on them in my life, but perhaps future generations will. Oaks grow slow, don't they?

Oaks are a little slow at first, but not really that slow, depending on the species. I think in the east Pin Oak and Northern Red Oak are reasonably fast growers. Oaks planted as shade trees when I was a kid are now big trees, and I am not particularly old.

 

[Wood Duck]

Maples do good in ID, that's what I'd recommend if you want to see them mature in our lifetime . I am going to visit my dad in Feb I could dig a few oak seedlings while there . I know black walnut does good in the cold too

The cold isn't the problem with growing hardwoods in Idaho. It gets very cold in the upper midwest but they have lots of hardwoods. The problem will be dry summers. You need to select the moistest soils on the property and be prepared to water the trees especially at first. Also, try to select trees from relatively dry climates. With water I think most hardwoods from the midwest or northeast will grow - some will grow really well others will survive but not thrive. I think if you look around suburban yards in Idaho you'll find a pretty wide variety of hardwoods.

 

[curber]

Oh yeah there are hardwoods hear. locust ash elm maple. I've got water rights on the property so water isn't an issue, just water from the ditch. We'll see the 3-4ft white oaks should be hear fri or sat. I'm not sure weather to plant them now or just put them in a big pot and move them outside in the spring. Not sure I could dig a hole rite now. Pat

 

[jebatty]

Check with your county or state forestry office on this. A big problem in many areas is introduction of non-native species which may out-compete native species. Also import of invasive bugs, fungi, etc. that may devastate native species, and even state or local regulations on introduction of non-native species. It is important to respect local wildlife and local eco-systems which have evolved over 1000's of years. An important benefit to native species is that they are biologically adapted to the local environment. For example, in MN a native red pine may grow very well, but import a red pine from an eastern or southern state and the tree may be unlikely to survive. Local genetics are important. Altering Mother Nature sometimes can bring very unexpected results with which she is not pleased.

 

[Adios Pantalones]

jebatty- I'm with you on that

 

[Delta-T]

Check with your county or state forestry office on this. A big problem in many areas is introduction of non-native species which may out-compete native species. Also import of invasive bugs, fungi, etc. that may devastate native species, and even state or local regulations on introduction of non-native species. It is important to respect local wildlife and local eco-systems which have evolved over 1000's of years. An important benefit to native species is that they are biologically adapted to the local environment. For example, in MN a native red pine may grow very well, but import a red pine from an eastern or southern state and the tree may be unlikely to survive. Local genetics are important. Altering Mother Nature sometimes can bring very unexpected results with which she is not pleased.

i would agree with this...except that with the massive expansion of "landscape" architeture and lawn ornimentation we have a vast number of non-native plants pretty much everywhere. I dont think trees are one of the bigger problems...like say a kudzu or something similar (weedy, fast growing, extensive root system, chokers).
We have apple trees all over the Northeast....they dont all really "belong here", but they're not really hurting anyone either.

 

[brogsie]

In my area the bittersweet is choking out a lot of trees.
It's a real PIA and it's tough to get rid of.

 

[firefighterjake]

Well in any case . . . the acorns are on their way.

 

[DanCorcoran]

Check with your county or state forestry office on this. A big problem in many areas is introduction of non-native species which may out-compete native species. Also import of invasive bugs, fungi, etc. that may devastate native species, and even state or local regulations on introduction of non-native species. It is important to respect local wildlife and local eco-systems which have evolved over 1000's of years. An important benefit to native species is that they are biologically adapted to the local environment. For example, in MN a native red pine may grow very well, but import a red pine from an eastern or southern state and the tree may be unlikely to survive. Local genetics are important. Altering Mother Nature sometimes can bring very unexpected results with which she is not pleased.

i would agree with this...except that with the massive expansion of "landscape" architeture and lawn ornimentation we have a vast number of non-native plants pretty much everywhere. I dont think trees are one of the bigger problems...like say a kudzu or something similar (weedy, fast growing, extensive root system, chokers).
We have apple trees all over the Northeast....they dont all really "belong here", but they're not really hurting anyone either.

I can't speak to issues in the east, but in Colorado there are many invasive species which have been used for landscaping and that are now causing huge economic losses. A major loss, just one of many, is water consumed by invasive saltcedar. OP is in the west, so this matters.

 

[curber]

Yep I'll check with local laws and regs. Thanks for all the info. Pat

 

[Eaglecraft]

Any of the local nurseries ever have any Oak saplings available? I lived in Idaho Falls for 3 years back in the early 1970's, and I do remember a mix of conifers and deciduous trees growing there just fine. A healthy sapling would put you a few years' ahead of trying to grow trees from acorns. Rick

Ive never seen an oak tree in the state. Mite just have to order a few saplings. Pat

Pat: Come out to our place and we will show you some oaks that we planted about ten years ago. They are doing just fine - slow growers though. Check with the local Extension Service and they can advise which species to plant. We chose Burr Oaks, mostly.

 

[curber]

Any of the local nurseries ever have any Oak saplings available? I lived in Idaho Falls for 3 years back in the early 1970's, and I do remember a mix of conifers and deciduous trees growing there just fine. A healthy sapling would put you a few years' ahead of trying to grow trees from acorns. Rick

Ive never seen an oak tree in the state. Mite just have to order a few saplings. Pat

Pat: Come out to our place and we will show you some oaks that we planted about ten years ago. They are doing just fine - slow growers though. Check with the local Extension Service and they can advise which species to plant. We chose Burr Oaks, mostly.

Would love to!! Heck I thought I was the only one on hear from Idaho.. Pm me your Name and # and I'll come check them out. Thanks Pat

 

[Redbear86]

What neck of the woods are you from Vole? I'm at about Downey-commute to pocatello for work

 

[billb3]

http://seedlings.uidaho.com/Store/D...roductID=57&ParentID;=&PageID=46&CategoryID=1

 

[Eaglecraft]

What neck of the woods are you from Vole? I'm at about Downey-commute to pocatello for work

Idaho Falls, on West Broadway...

 

[Redbear86]

your right next to Curber, i'm probably closer to the utah guys than any other idahoans

 

[curber]

Well went and met with volemister today and gathered some acorns. Going to try to grow some oaks from them. Thanks a bunch. Pat

 

[Vincent]

Well as some of you know we dont have many oaks in my neck of the woods.. My mom has 10 acres and she wants to turn it into pasture and also have some rows of diferent types of trees for wind and shade protection. So we were going to try to start some seedlings. So now hear the problem- you cant start a seedling without the acorn and the tree!! So I was wondering if theres anyone in a similler climate that would be willing to send me some acorns?? I would greatly appretiate it and I'll post the results. I can pay the shipping and even some for your time. I think I only need 10-15. Thanks in advance.. Pm me if interested. Pat

This place sells seedling for cheap, like about a dollar a piece. (broken link removed to http://www.nhnursery.com)