Though sometimes referred to mistakenly as an “acorn tree,” the tree that produces acorns is the oak. Different oaks produce acorns of different shapes and sizes, making a tree’s acorns a helpful tool when identifying an oak species.

The transformation of the acorn grows into a sapling and then a mature tree; however, it can be a risky process and only a tiny proportion of acorns make the transformation from seedling to mature oak tree.

Boom and bust cycles of acorn production do have an evolutionary benefit for oak trees through “predator satiation.” The idea goes like this: in a mast year, predators (chipmunks, squirrels, turkeys, blue jays, deer, bear, etc.) can’t eat all the acorns, so they leave some nuts to grow into future oak trees.

Oak Tree. Growing from seeds to mature trees, oaks take between 30 to 40 years to grow, making them a slow and often neglected species in the forest.

Oak trees? Plan to transplant in early spring. February or March is an ideal time, or choose a window that’s right before spring budding in your area.

Will become home to a copious number of insects and species of wildlife. Very long-lived, up to 200 years. Any ordinary well drained soil, tolerant of clay, produces best quality timber on heavy soil. TREE 15ft x 8ft (4.6m x 2.4m) in 20 years, ultimate height 100ft (30m).

But don’t worry about one thing: more acorns does not signal a bad winter to come. “There’s no correlation between the amount of snowfall or the temperature with acorn production.

These ripen into the most critical wildlife food source for the coming autumn and winter. Pofessional wildlife biologists and foresters are encouraged that 2020 appears to be shaping up to be another good acorn and apple crop year.

For oaks, a ratio of either 12-4-8 (12% Nitrogen, 4% Phosphorus, and 8% Potassium) or 12-6-6 is recommended. A fertilizer that releases nitrogen too quickly can cause more harm to the soil and tree than good.

Fertilization. A healthy, mature oak under natural conditions does not require supplemental feeding. The leaf litter and other organic debris on the soil supply nutrients as they decompose and release nutrients to the soil and roots. Generally, young trees can be fertilized to establish them quickly.

Coffee grounds are green compost, meaning they’re moist and rich in nitrogen. Maintaining a regular fertilizing schedule in addition to composting can keep your trees and shrubs healthy, blooming and, in some cases, fruiting.

Here are our five top tips.

1. Fertilizing. Fertilizer gives your live oak tree the nutrients to increase its capacity to capture sunlight so it can produce food and energy.
2. Soil Cover. Covering the soil properly is the key to an oak’s survival.
3. Watering.
4. Pruning.
5. Never Tamper With a Live Oak Tree.

A healthy oak tree will have green coloration. If it reveals a yellow or brownish color underneath, the tree is mostly likely dying or dead.