sawtooth oak
Quercus acutissima
Cycle:
Perennial
Watering:
Average
Propagation:
Seed Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
6 - 9
Flowers:
Yellowish-green Flowers In Spring
Sun:
Full sun
Soil:
Well-drained
Fruits:
brown,black Fruits Ready In Fall
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Low
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Thorny:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Sawtooth Oak should be watered deeply on a weekly basis/frequency, using about 10 gallons of water for each tree during the growing season (typically the spring and summer months). It is important to water them slowly, and evenly, so that the water can really soak into the soil and reach the roots. During periods of drought, it may be necessary to water more frequently. During the winter months, Sawtooth Oak should be watered sufficiently to keep the soil from drying out completely. If the surrounding vegetation (such as lawns) do not have access to water, then it will be necessary to water these trees more appropriately. It is important to watch the soil moisture levels and adjust the watering accordingly. Generally, it is best to not allow the soil to become bone dry and for the water to penetrate at least 6 inches deep into the soil.
sunlight
Sawtooth oak thrives in brightly lit areas and needs full sun in order to remain healthy and grow well. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day in order for the leaves to photosynthesize enough energy to remain healthy. When grown in the proper conditions, it can tolerate up to 8 hours of direct sunlight. The sun should not be at its strongest, however, and instead be situated at an angle at some point in the day in order to avoid scorching the leaves. It also doesn't do well with reflected sunlight, so it should be planted in an area that gets direct sunlight without too much reflecting heat from surrounding buildings or structures.
pruning
Sawtooth oak is a fast-growing species that requires light annual pruning for best results. Prune in late spring or early summer after the leaves have completely unfolded to maximize growth. Remove any dead or weakly attached branches, then thin out dense, overcrowded branches by pruning back to just above an outward facing bud to open the canopy and increase light and air circulation. Additionally, remove any suckers, watersprouts, or crossing branches. Avoid pruning more than 1/3 of the canopy in any 1 season and leave the tallest, straightest branches for a strong central leader.