Shumard oak Quercus shumardii

Water

In the first year after planting, water Quercus shumardii deeply once a week during dry periods.
Once the tree is established, it can typically survive on rainfall alone, but may benefit from occasional deep watering during prolonged dry spells.

Light

Quercus shumardii thrives in full sun, but can also tolerate partial shade.

Temperature

t can survive temperatures as low as -10°F and higher.
It can adapt to a range of temperatures and can tolerate cold temperatures and occasional frost, but is not tolerant of high heat and humidity.

Pruning

Prune Quercus shumardii when it is dormant in the late winter or early spring. Remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Thin out the canopy to increase sunlight penetration and air circulation. Prune branches that are rubbing against each other.

Soil

Quercus shumardii prefers well-drained, fertile soils with a pH between 6 and 7.5, it is tolerant of a wide range of soils, but does not tolerate poorly drained or wet soils.

Humidity & Misting

Quercus shumardii prefers moderate humidity, and it can tolerate a range of humidity levels as long as the soil is well-drained.
But the tree does not stand too hign or too low humidity level around.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Not growing

• Outdoor

  When planting Quercus shumardii outdoors, choose a site that has well-drained soil and full sun.
  Dig a hole that is twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball. Remove the tree from the container and gently loosen the roots before planting.
  Space multiple trees at least 30 feet apart.
  Water well after planting and keep the soil consistently moist until the tree is established.

• Hardiness zone

  USDA 5 - 10

Life cycle

The life of the lree begins with germination. Quercus shumardii acorns germinate in the fall or spring after they have been shed from the tree. Germination rates vary depending on the acorn crop and the weather conditions, but are typically high.
Once germinated, Quercus shumardii seedlings grow rapidly and can reach several feet in height in their first growing season. They are able to tolerate some shade, but also need direct sunlight to grow well.
The juvenile phase of Quercus shumardii lasts for several years, during which the tree will develop a straight stem and a well-defined crown.
At maturity, Quercus shumardii can reach a height of 80 feet and a diameter of 3-4 feet. The bark will turn dark and furrowed, and the leaves will be dark green and glossy.
Quercus shumardii will begin to produce acorns when it is around 20-25 years old. The acorns are large, typically measuring 1-1.5 inches in length, and are an important food source for wildlife.
Quercus shumardii can live for several centuries, but as it ages it may become less vigorous and more susceptible to disease and pests. Eventually, the tree will die and decompose, providing nutrients for the next generation of plants.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring - summer

• By SEEDS:
  The most common and easiest method of propagating Quercus shumardii is by planting acorns. They can be collected in the fall, stratified (stored in a cool and moist place) for a few months before planting them in the spring, in well-draining soil, in a sunny location.
  By GRAFTING:
  Grafting involves taking a cutting from a mature Quercus shumardii and attaching it to the rootstock of another tree. This method is more difficult and less common but is useful for reproducing specific genetic traits of a tree.
  By LYERING:
  Layering is another method of propagation that involves bending a low-hanging branch of the tree to the ground and covering it with soil. Once the branch has rooted, it can be cut from the parent tree and transplanted to a new location.

Pests

Gypsy moth, Oak worm, Oak twig pruner, Oak bark beetle

Diseases

Anthracnose, Root Rot, Canker, Oak wilt, Oak decline