Knowledgebase
New oak sapling struggling #869050
Asked May 18, 2024, 6:26 PM EDT
Hi I need help with an oak sapling we got. It has damage to the leaves and is not growing very symmetrically. It's trunk seems damaged to me. Is there a way ti make it beautiful one day or is it always going to be crooked. How do I beautify it or should we start over?
Franklin County Ohio
Expert Response
I put some tree wound stuff on it, that's what is black.
Hi Caitlin,
Thank you for using Ask Extension and including pictures.
Based on the pictures of your oak sapling it looks like it is off to a good start. Just remember, patience is required as the growing process is a slow one.
Most importantly the oak needs to be watered regularly. I've included an article that offers watering guidelines. Planting and transplanting trees and shrubs | UMN Extension.
You might also want to put mulch around the tree. Guidelines for mulching and staking are also discussed in the article.
Finally, wound dressings are now considered detrimental to trees so I wouldn't apply any more tree paint. This next article explains how a tree heals itself. Tree Wounds: Should They Be Repaired? | Mississippi State University Extension Service (msstate.edu)
Good luck,
Hi Caitlin,
I'm glad to hear from you again. I'm glad too that you added mulch and have been watering regularly. I can see how you are worried about how the leaves have lightened significantly from when you purchased it. There are several possible reasons why this is happening including overwatering, underwatering, or iron chlorosis.
First, I'd look at your watering schedule. You can compare it with the attached file on watering.
If watering does not seem to be the problem, the next issue to look at is Iron Chlorosis. This is where the leaves of the plant turn yellow, but the veins of the leaves stay green. Typically, leaf chlorosis will start at the tips of new growth in the plant and will eventually work its way to older leaves on the plant as the deficiency gets worse. Other signs can include poor growth and leaf loss, but these symptoms will always be coupled with the leaf chlorosis. I hope the article on iron chlorosis will be helpful
A soil test will show if your pH is above 7.0 to 7.5. If pH is high and you have ruled out other problems, then iron deficiency is likely. Your county extension office can provide you with information on soil testing.
Good luck,
