The white oak is a big, powerful, and commanding tree. Its huge horizontal arms are attached to a short, stocky trunk. In the summer, the leaves are dark green to somewhat blue-green, and in the autumn, they turn brown and wine-red to orange-red.
White oak trees have a long lifespan. They usually live for about 300 years. They may, however, live up to 600 years or more in the right environment. As a result, white oak trees are among the most long-lived oak species in the United States.
Knowing about the white oak tree’s persistence will help you decide whether it’s the right tree for your yard. But how long do you have to let it grow? Let’s find out.
How Fast Do They Grow?
White oaks are regarded to be slow growers since their average annual height gain is approximately 12 to 14 inches.
Mature Size
At maturity, the white oak may reach heights of up to 50 to 80 feet and can have a spread of up to 50 to 80 feet.
Where Do They Grow Best?
Hardiness Zones 3 to 9 offer the best environment for the growth of the white oak tree.
The white oak grows most successful in soil that is slightly acidic to neutral, is very deep and wet, and has good drainage. It is tolerant of diverse soil textures, but it cannot tolerate alkaline soils, soils that are too shallow, or urban soils that have been exploited. It is nonetheless able to survive in conditions of mild drought as well as occasional moist soil.
How Much Sun Do They Need?
This tree does best in both full sun and half shade, which means that it needs a daily total of at least four hours of unobstructed exposure to sunshine.
Tips to Optimize Growth Speed
Since the white oak is a slow grower, we have gathered some tips on how to expedite your tree’s growth:
1. Plant Appropriately
White oaks like soil that is not too acidic, is somewhat deep and wet, and is rich. They can survive drought relatively well after they have been established due to the deep root system that they possess. However, they do not thrive in bad soil that is either too shallow or too compacted. To get the best possible outcome, you should plant your oak tree in a location that has unobstructed direct sunshine and deep, rich soil.
2. Water Appropriately
White oaks that have just been planted should get consistent watering during their first growing season to help them become established. Instead of giving the plant a brief drink of water every day, you should give it infrequent but thorough soakings.
3. Space the Plants Correctly
To mature into an oak tree, a seedling needs at least four blocks of vertical clearance above it in the form of an unobstructed 1×1 column (5 blocks including the sapling itself). Even if the roots and trunk of an oak tree are confined on all sides, the tree may continue to mature and develop. It is unaffected by things like logs, leaves, mud, or other young saplings.
4. Prune for Growth
Pruning is essential for live oaks during their first 30 years, although mature trees need little maintenance beyond that point. At first, you should aim to trim your tree annually. After the first three years, you will be able to extend the period that passes between prunings to a maximum of five years.
You should prune the tree so that it grows from a single stem. This will ensure that the tree remains healthy enough to achieve its maximum potential height. You may wish to trim the lower branches as the tree grows higher to make sure there is enough clearance beneath the branches and to enhance the aesthetic of the tree. You want to also get rid of any branches that are sick, damaged, or dead.
