English Oak - first step.

[Deemon]

Here's the first part of a loooong progression. Kids and I dug this out on Saturday @ Leura in the snow.

Quite an experience. Took some effort to get to the tap root.

Cleaned the rootball up and potted into a large terracotta pot.

Fingers crossed it makes it through.

Photo0142.jpg

[bodhidharma]

I hope it goes for you Deemon. It is a bit late for collecting but oaks are forgiving. Are you going to take it off at the first branch later? Otherwise it might end up a little to straight.

[Deemon]

Yeah, It's been chopped there, didn't want to put too many pics up as their a bit large, i'm not sure how to compress.

[Deemon]

I had no choice with the timing. I was my place or Katoomba tip for the tree.

Also, I read an article by Harry Harrington stating that he believes Quercus Robur are best collected when in leaf.
But will have to see with this one, quite large, it's 5 inches at the base. Keeping it in shade for now and going to keep the seasol up to it twice a week.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

[rowan]

Now is the best time for oaks. I collect a few and if you dig them before their leaves are out they often die.
Advice - it will probably sulk for the next year. Be patient, you should get a few new shoots within a couple of months (usually when you have given up on it).

[bodhidharma]

That is interesting as i collect mine in total dormancy or just waking up(last two weeks in August) and have not lost one. Mine are only just now starting to break leaf. A testament to the robustness of the species perhaps