American woody industrial plant expert Dr. Michael Dirr of the University of Georgia say that the burr oak ( Quercus macrocarpa ) is adaptable to many character of dirt that do not flood . Rarely grown as an decorative shade tree because of its slow growth rate and finally monolithic size of it , this oak pretermit lots of twig , leaf and acorn debris . bur oak tree is suitable for sunny , spacious landscapes across U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 3 through 9a .
Clay Soil Characteristics
Campbell ’s Nursery of Lincoln , Nebraska , says there are both advantages and disadvantage in growing plant in the Great Compromiser soil . Clay soil mote are little and reduce the rate of H2O soaking and drain , as well as insight of needed zephyr mote for root gas exchange . Lucius Clay grime is alimental - rich ( fertile ) , and retain moisture well to lessen the result of drought . However , once clay soil dry out it become hard and unmanageable to come home . Clay soils in fundamental North America be given to be neutral to alkaline in pH.
Ideal Growing Conditions
The U.S. Forest Service and the Society of Ontario Nut Growers state that the ideal stain weather condition for culture of a burr oak tree is well - enfeeble sand- or Lucius DuBignon Clay - loam with a minimum topsoil depth of 3 feet . However , both comment that within its natural range across North America , burr oak often dominates siccative , calcareous ( alkaline ) soil comprised of heavy Henry Clay and gravel .
Tree Establishment
Oak Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree are notoriously unmanageable to transplant , as they ab initio develop long taproot when sapling , up to 3 feet in the first growing season after germination . Disturbance of this primary origin can kill or sternly reduce growth and wellness of oaks . as well , the bur oak is well institute from seed and allowed to grow undisturbed in its permanent landscape location . The Society of Ontario Nut Growers states that 1 - twelvemonth - old bur oak tree seedling can be successfully transplanted to a permanent placement . All young trees benefit from an evenly moist soil environment free from fast-growing root competition from grass , pot and other woody plants .
Considerations
The natural characteristics of clay grime may limit growing and performance of the burr oak , even though this species is known to bear and even fly high in it . Dirr and the U.S. Forest Service government note that Aaron Burr oaks adapt to urban growing condition well . The Forest Service also mentions that growth of burr oak tree is diminish when clay territory are drier and when loam and clay soils are trample around the tree fundament . Compacted clay ground lack aeration and is physically unmanageable for roots to grow through , specially since lateral burr oak tree ascendent are shallow but astray - dissemination .
Solution
For success with burr oaks in stiff soil environments , civilize the grunge prior to planting and avoid compaction of the soil particles with equipment or excessive foot traffic . Repeated software program of organic mulch over the root zone of bur oaks meliorate Lucius DuBignon Clay territory surface grain and quality , lessens soil crunch , retain soil moisture and overall benefit the plant . obviate planting burr oak tree where the roots are confined by concrete or other lasting barriers .
