downy oak

The downy oak should be watered deeply, saturating the soil, once or twice per month during the growing season. This typically runs from early spring through summer and into fall. During dry spells, you may want to increase the frequency to every 7 -10 days. Give the plant 2 quarts of water with each application. In areas with mild winters, water occasionally just enough to moisten the soil. During the winter, do not water the tree unless the soil is very dry. Over-watering can cause root rot and may kill the plant.

Downy oak is a deciduous tree, which means it loses its leaves in the fall and grows them back each spring. It grows best in full sunlight, typically between 8-10 hours daily. During the spring and summer months, the sun is out for much longer and the tree receives the majority of its light during this time. In the fall and winter months, the sun will be out less and the tree will receive a longer period of indirect light. To promote healthy growth, it is best for downy oak trees to receive 6-8 hours of sunlight during those cooler months.

Downy Oak (Quercus pubescens) should generally be pruned in late winter, before the trees begin to produce new leaves. Pruning should be minimal and only take off dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Avoid removing healthy branches, as the tree relies on its foliage for energy and resources. When pruning, aim to maintain a balanced canopy to ensure that the tree remains stable and can support its weight. It is also important to make sure not to prune too much at once, as this can cause the tree stress. Aim to remove no more than 25% of the total foliage when pruning.