- Oak trees grow slowly
- When planting oak trees, consider later size
- Old oak trees are difficult to transplant
- tips and tricks
Compared to other trees that reach old age, oaks tend to stay small. They rarely reach more than 35 meters, occasionally only a few meters more. In return, they develop a thick trunk and an expansive, striking treetop.
Oak trees grow slowly
Oaks take a long time to grow into a stately tree. On average, they only increase in height between 40 millimeters and 70 millimeters per year.
The size of an oak tree depends on how deep the taproot can go into the ground. The location also plays a role. Oaks need more light than beeches, for example.
Disease, pest infestation and poor environmental conditions limit the growth of the oak. In unfavorable conditions, it does not grow as large as other specimens.
When planting oak trees, consider later size
If you are planning to plant an oak tree in the garden, you should consider the subsequent dimensions.
The crown initially develops in width much faster than the trunk. If it is initially valued as a shade provider, this can lead to problems with neighbors or in your own garden in later years.
Old oak trees are difficult to transplant
Because of their size and deep taproots, oak trees older than a few years are difficult to transplant without destroying them.
Right from the start, look for a location for your oak tree where the later size will not become a problem.
tips and tricks
The thickest oak in Germany is the Kattholz oak, which can be found on the Perdöl estate in the Schleswig-Holstein municipality of Belau. Its trunk circumference was 12.84 meters in 2000, measured at a height of one meter. Their age is estimated at a maximum of 450 years.