Knowledgebase

2 yr old bare oak trees #944333

Asked September 05, 2026, 3:07 PM EDT

I have two bare oak trees that we got at the ARB. I would like to know how to take care of the trees over the winter. I have attached pictures. Does any trimming need to be done? If so, please advise. Thanks

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

Insofar as pruning is concerned, the goal is to establish a single, strong, central leader and a balanced number of lateral branches beneath.

This video illustrates the principles:

https://youtube.com/shorts/qZmiYjUh1Zs?si=YryoN0ZsV1TwC5Wv

Based upon what we can see the the photos, this is how to apply the principles:  

The oak in image 0432 is well on its way and needs no pruning at this time.

The tree in 0433 has codominant stems.  One stem should be removed.

The stem on the left is straighter and thicker than the one on the right.  Remove the one on the right.

The remaining stem is also codominant.  Remove both stems angling to the left from the main stem.

What's left (the main stem) may seem like a remnant, but it's best suited to grow into a well-formed tree in the long run.

Bullet galls are present on the oak in image 0432. The following video and publications explain the life history of the wasp that causes the galls (probably Disholcaspis quercusmamma) and  smaller parasitic wasps that prey on the gall makers.

https://webdoc.agsci.colostate.edu/bspm/arthropodsofcolorado/Rough-bulletgall-wasp.pdf

https://www.extension.iastate.edu/newsrel/2004/may04/may0414.html

https://youtu.be/39Fdxx_J3K8?si=Jz28osJJZMlOjXs8

Based upon the information in the video and publications, if you wish to remove the galls, now is the time to do it.

Also, keep the area around the saplings grass free and covered with two to three inches of mulch.  Be sure the mulch stays three inches away from the miniature trunks.

You may want to erect a barrier (fence?) to protect the saplings from animals and other winter hazards.

Given current drought conditions in the Twin Cities area, water well until the ground freezes.





An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 05, 2026, 5:40 PM EDT

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