

The differences between red and white oaks can be seen by examining their lobes and sinuses. Transplant seedlings to the desired planting area.įigure 1.Plant acorns and grow seedlings in a protected area.In this publication, we are going to show you how easy it is to grow your own oak seedlings in three easy steps: White oaks produce acorns in only 1 year, while red oak acorns take 2 years to develop. White oak leaf lobes are usually rounded without bristle tips, while red oak leaf lobes are typically bristle-tipped. The most obvious differences between red and white oaks can be seen by examining the lobes, which are projections along the edges of leaves, and the sinuses, which are the areas between lobes (Figure 1). White, overcup, post, swamp chestnut, chinquapin General differences in leaves, acorns, and representative species between red and white oaks in Mississippi.īristle-tipped, pointed lobes (usually, but not for a few species)Ģ years to mature high tannins spring germinationġ year to mature lower tannins fall germinationĬherrybark, southern red, Nuttall, Shumard, water, and willow Most oaks in Mississippi can be easily grouped into these two categories, and their general differences are listed in Table 1. Landowners who simply want a few oaks for wildlife habitat, shade, or aesthetics might also want to grow their own seedlings.įirst, you need to be able to tell the difference between red and white oaks, which are the two broad categories of oaks. Environmentally conscious homeowners may want to plant long-lived oaks for their carbon sequestration ability or for their shade, which helps lower summer electrical costs. Neighborhood groups may want to grow seedlings to plant along streets, in parks, and in other common areas. Charities or special interest groups may want to grow and sell seedlings from a memorable tree as a fund-raising project. Collecting acorns and growing seedlings makes a fine school project for kindergarten or elementary students. Growing your own oak seedlings, or any type of tree seedling, is not difficult and can make for an excellent project. Emotional ties to trees get stronger with age and stir a desire to grow seedlings from those special trees so that we can share their legacy and beauty with our children and grandchildren. Sometimes, as they age, a desire develops to reproduce and share historic or family legacy trees with future generations. People often have emotional ties to specific trees.
