I will be planting a red oak soon, and would like advice on the proper way to plant it. Tree is about 7 feet tall, caliper is about 1.5", in a container. I know the basics, i.e. make sure there are no girdling roots, do not plant it too deep, dig hole 3 times diameter of root ball, etc., but I have a specific question too. The owner of the nursery recommended that I backfill with some good topsoil because the soil in my area has a lot of clay in it. He said that the red oaks have a problem with the roots rotting in the heavy clay soil, and that the better top soil will give them a chance to mature and establish before they try to grow into the heavier clay. However, I have seen specific recommendations against this because it creates a "clay pot effect" and promotes circular root growth.
Would anyone care to comment on this - is it a good idea or not? Am I going to have problems with this tree in this type of soil? I have seen a lot of posts about oak wilt in red oaks when I did a search this morning, but I have already bought this one so I will have to make the best of it.
Any help is appreciated,
Tom
Would anyone care to comment on this - is it a good idea or not? Am I going to have problems with this tree in this type of soil? I have seen a lot of posts about oak wilt in red oaks when I did a search this morning, but I have already bought this one so I will have to make the best of it.
Any help is appreciated,
Tom