oak

Oak trees prefer weekly watering, but the amount and frequency will vary according to the season and conditions of the environment. In summer, water deeply at least once a week, applying about 10 gallons of water for each inch of trunk diameter. For drought conditions, water can be applied every 5-7 days. In autumn, when the leaves are beginning to drop, reduce watering frequency to about every 10-14 days. Apply enough water to moisten the entire root zone, but do not saturate the soil or over water. In winter, reduce the watering frequency to 1-2 times per month. Apply enough to keep the soil from becoming completely dry. In spring, begin watering at least once a week. Increase the water as the days become warmer and the tree enters its active growth period.

Oak (Quercus mongolica var. grosseserrata) plants require direct sunlight for the majority of the day to grow and thrive. It should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day. They prefer full sun during morning and late afternoon, and some light shade during the hottest part of the day in the summer. During the winter months, oak plants should still have exposure to at least 4 hours of sunlight per day, preferably during the morning.

Oak trees should generally be pruned in late winter, before active new growth begins. Prune away dead, broken, or diseased branches as well as those that are crossing or rubbing against each other. Cut back long, drooping, or weak branches; prune branches that grow inward or downward; and selectively remove branches that are shading desirable plants. Do not top (cut back to a stub) oak trees, as this encourages new, upright sprouts that become weakly attached to the trunk. Pruning should be light, and preferably done in stages over several years.