Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Wednesday - March 04, 2009
From: Goodrich, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Wildlife Gardens, Trees
Title: Fertilizing oaks to produce more acorns
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
What type of fertilizer would I use on oak trees to possibly increase growth and acorn production ? I have some flooded oak timber that is home to migrating ducks but there is little for them to eat.ANSWER:
There is a great deal of controversy about whether fertilizing oak trees influences their ability to produce more acorns. Indeed, there are some sources (e.g., Whitetail Stewards Inc.) that say not to waste your time and money fertilizing oaks since there are so many factors that can affect the amount of oak mast produced in any year—rainfall, genetics, general humidity, timing of late frosts, pest infestations, etc. Additionally, the production of large crops of acorns tends to be cyclic. Producing a heavy crop of acorns one year usually results in several years with a lower production. For red oaks this can be a 5-7 year cycle and for white oaks it may be a 3-5 year cycle. For a thorough discussion of the unpredictability of acorn crops see Improving acorn production - Part I: Factors affecting acorn production of oaks from Whitetail Stewards, Inc.
Most professionals seem to agree on at least one strategy for improving the amount of oak mast—that is to insure that the oaks that appear to be the best producers are not crowded. Trees around these high yield trees may need to be thinned so that they are not competing for sunlight and water. Outdoor Life has an informative article, Mast Production--In a Nutshell, that gives a short lesson in oak biology and how to manage them. The U.S. Forest Service North Central Forest Experiment Station has recommendations on How to Manage Oak Forests for Acorn Production.
If you still think you would like to fertilize your oaks, it certainly is not likely to harm them. What kind of fertilizer should you use? You can see in the answer to a previous question about fertilizing oaks, that recommendations from professional landscapers varies. Some say use a 'standard' fertilizer, while others recommend a 8-2-4 compost-based or a 5-10-5 mixture. (The numbers refer to percentages of nitrogen, phosporus, and potassium.)
In your flooded oak timber you could add other plants that could provide additional food for your migrating ducks. Here are some wetland plants that are used by ducks and other waterfowl for food and cover:
Grass/grasslike
Eleocharis montevidensis (sand spikerush), Scirpus cyperinus (woolgrass), Schoenoplectus robustus (sturdy bulrush)
Other aquatic or wetland plants
Duckweeds such as Lemna minor (common duckweed), Potamogeton nodosus (longleaf pondweed), Sagittaria graminea (grassy arrowhead), Pontederia cordata (pickerelweed)
You can find others in "Aquatic and Wetland Plants of the Western Gulf Coast" by Charles D. Stutzenbaker.
From the Image Gallery
More Trees Questions
Is California fan palm found on Edwards Plateau from Austin
January 18, 2013 - Is the following Palm, Washingtonia filifera, found in the Texas Hill Country, specifically the Edwards Plateau or Balcones Canyonlands NWR.
view the full question and answer
Why isn't my recently planted Mexican Redbud growing in Georgetown, TX?
April 11, 2010 - I planted a container-grown Mexican Redbud in early March. As of April 5th, it is showing no signs of buds or leaves. Other redbuds in the area (possibly Texas redbuds) have been blooming for severa...
view the full question and answer
Obtaining bark of Larix laricina from Hyderabad India
January 26, 2012 - I am in need of Larix laricina (Bark) for my research work. Please let me know how to procure it.
view the full question and answer
Looking for a redbud sized tree to plant in Tulsa OK.
September 27, 2011 - I am looking for a native tree about the size of a redbud to place in my prairie bed in Tulsa Oklahoma, wildlife friendly trees preferred, thanks!
view the full question and answer
Transplanting time for Smoketree in Quebec
September 14, 2006 - I would like to transplant my smoke tree. It is two years old. When would be the best time of the year to transplant. I live in Zone 4.
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |