With a life expectancy of up to 800 years, the oak is in no hurry to reach its maximum size. The annual growth of the oak is mainly determined by the age of the tree and local life factors.

In a nutshell

  • Oak grows comparatively slowly
  • faster when young, slower with age
  • Growth lasts up to 200 years
  • develops a spreading crown, thick trunk and deep root system
  • Living conditions influence growth

Speed: slowly increasing

Compared to other deciduous tree species, the growth of oak (Quercus) can only be described as slow. So it takes many years until it reaches its height limit of about 35 m. Most of the time, however, the final height is somewhere between 15 and 35 m. When fully grown, the oak easily surpasses any fruit tree in the garden. In the middle of the forest among other tree species, it quickly becomes apparent that it is more of a smaller deciduous tree.

young oaks

Everywhere under large oak trees numerous 5-10 cm large seedlings can be spotted in spring. Sometimes also far away from the mother oak, since squirrels like to carry off acorns, bury them and often forget them. They won't do well under a big tree, because they don't grow well in the shade and next to competition. If the oak tree is allowed to develop, it grows in different growth steps over the years.

  • young oaks grow faster than older ones
  • 40 to 70 mm per year are possible
  • The young tree reaches a height of 2 m after about 4-5 years
  • after ten years, the height is between 4 and 7 m
  • every year the pace of growth slows down
  • old oaks only grow by about 4 mm per year
  • It takes 180 to 300 years for an oak to mature
Young swamp oak (Quercus palustris Münchh.)

Width: strong growth

The oak not only grows in height, but also in width. Over the years it gets a very thick trunk and a spreading crown. The crown develops much faster than the trunk. The underground root growth, while not visible, is equally impressive. Ultimately, above-ground growth also depends on how well and how deep the taproot can dig, i.e. loose soil.

Tip: When planting an oak, keep a planting distance of at least 15m to other trees, buildings or paths to avoid later damage from overhanging roots and/or crowns.

Important growth factors

Well-developed oak roots are a good basis for fast and high growth. In addition, some other needs of the oak must be met so that it can optimally exploit its growth potential:

  • sunny or partially shaded location
  • Mulch layer to protect against dry soil
  • occasional cutting
  • Watering and fertilizing at a young age
  • Control/prevention of diseases and pests

The oak grows well-formed by nature. Cutting should therefore only be used when necessary. For example to remove dead and disturbing branches or to correct the structure of the crown.

Notice: Pruning a large old oak tree requires special equipment and expertise and is best left to the professionals. A permit may also need to be obtained when felling large branches.

red oaks

In this country, the native oak species of the pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) and the sessile oak (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.), also known as winter oaks, are at home. However, the red oak (Quercus rubra) from North America is finding more and more advocates in forestry, as it grows much faster than native oak species. It definitely manages to grow up to a meter in height per year. Since her wood can be used more quickly, she brings in more profit.

Red oak (Quercus rubra) & sessile oak (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.) (from left to right)

frequently asked Questions

Can I transplant a ailing oak tree to a better spot?

Oaks form a long taproot and are therefore difficult to transplant. Transplants are only promising in the first 3-4 years. It is therefore important that an oak tree is given an ideal location right from the start, which also offers plenty of space for its later size.

The oak is mainly supposed to grow in the first few years, is that right?

The first twenty to forty years belong solely to growth. Only then does an oak become fertile. This means that it can bear fruit for the first time. Another twenty years pass before it really forms many acorns.

Is an oak tree only suitable for large gardens?

In principle yes. However, if you are familiar with bonsai training, you can also plant the oak in a large, deep pot. With regular, courageous pruning, it does not get beyond the desired height. At the same time, the crown shape can be shaped attractively.

Category:

Garden plants