Dwarf chinkapin oak
- Thread starter E_308
- Start date
Fishman
Active Member
I have a question about the dwarf chinkapin oak that I planted in February 2020. I know that we are in a new era where people can identify as whatever they want. I think my DCO identifies as a small bush and not a tree. I trimmed off the lower branches last year as they grew trying to prune my seedling into a tree. This year I decided to let it do what it wanted to do. That is when I found out that my DCO wants to be a bush. While I do not know for sure how old my bush is, I assume it is going to be 3-years-old later this year. When do DCOs start growing up and not just out? I fertilized it about a month ago and it seems to have a slight mildew issue because of the 50 inches of rain we have received since January. I am also south of its native range, but the ones I planted on my property that are in tubes seem to be doing better without any supplemental care. So, do I just need to be more accepting and tolerant or will my bush someday grow into a tree?
mattpatt
Well-Known Member
I have a question about the dwarf chinkapin oak that I planted in February 2020. I know that we are in a new era where people can identify as whatever they want. I think my DCO identifies as a small bush and not a tree. I trimmed off the lower branches last year as they grew trying to prune my seedling into a tree. This year I decided to let it do what it wanted to do. That is when I found out that my DCO wants to be a bush. While I do not know for sure how old my bush is, I assume it is going to be 3-years-old later this year. When do DCOs start growing up and not just out? I fertilized it about a month ago and it seems to have a slight mildew issue because of the 50 inches of rain we have received since January. I am also south of its native range, but the ones I planted on my property that are in tubes seem to be doing better without any supplemental care. So, do I just need to be more accepting and tolerant or will my bush someday grow into a tree?
This unfortunately is how DCO insists that it be treated in this day and age. A sign of the times I guess. Keep it watered and make sure the soil isn’t too acidic and it’ll start growing upward shortly. Mine took 3-4 years. Now my oldest is a full on mini tree, 10’ tall or more, and still reaching for the sky loaded with acorns and beautiful. They do become like our babies don’t they?
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mattpatt
Well-Known Member
One from Ontario about 4th year. Frost hit it again this year and it is struggling to release. There are several more like it but they keep trying.
Dang Zone 5 is tough! Year four they should be waist high or higher.
Matt
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wbpdeer
Well-Known Member
OK all you guys that have been successful growing DCO into seedlings, Ole Wayne needs your guidance. I have about 50 DCO nuts I collected from two of my yard trees. Some already have a radicle. I have two grow boxes in my basement that have been used for growing chestnuts.
I have used 4 gallon square buckets to put sand into with drainage holes in bucket bottom with gravel in bottom with landscape fabric above the gravel. The landscape fabric keeps my sand in place. I placed 9 chestnuts in each square bucket. When I want to transplant, I dump into a wheelbarrow and separate the roots. Place individual chestnuts in a tub with a wet towel and head to the final location.
Can I use the square bucket method with sand for these DCOs now. I have the ability to control my lights, heat and air with timers.
Thanks for any assistance yal can provide.
Wayne Pruett
Portland, TN Zone 7a
I have used 4 gallon square buckets to put sand into with drainage holes in bucket bottom with gravel in bottom with landscape fabric above the gravel. The landscape fabric keeps my sand in place. I placed 9 chestnuts in each square bucket. When I want to transplant, I dump into a wheelbarrow and separate the roots. Place individual chestnuts in a tub with a wet towel and head to the final location.
Can I use the square bucket method with sand for these DCOs now. I have the ability to control my lights, heat and air with timers.
Thanks for any assistance yal can provide.
Wayne Pruett
Portland, TN Zone 7a
mattpatt
Well-Known Member
If you plant them now just stick them in the corner of your garage or shop somewhere where they will stay cool during the winter but not freeze. Some people even plant in pots then set outside and insulate with hay or similar. If you live somewhere where you have fairly mild winters you can do this.
Matt
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Matt
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Turkey Creek
Well-Known Member
Yea its a bit odd that they are sending out a root radicle already. I do know that "Blitz" was already selling some awhile back so they are probably mature. I have always just held them in a Ziplock bag with a damp paper towel over winter in the fridge or planted them directly.
letemgrow
Well-Known Member
I’ve seen DCO’s with radicles emerging while the acorns are still on the tree. They germ extremely fast as opposed to other acorns in my experience.
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E_308
Well-Known Member
Mine got introduced to fire this year. I cut the tube off after the pic. It is going to need to get used to fire in the spot I put it. Should be leafed out by now, pic is from the first of April. There are a few 2 nd gen seedlings planted here too that might not have faired as well.
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mattpatt
Well-Known Member
Mine got introduced to fire this year. I cut the tube off after the pic. It is going to need to get used to fire in the spot I put it. Should be leafed out by now, pic is from the first of April. There are a few 2 nd gen seedlings planted here too that might not have faired as well.
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Intentional?
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E_308
Well-Known Member
Mostly. I thought I had a little better break around the big tree than I did. But yes they are right in the middle of a new fire zone that I expanded when I bought the other chunk. On the smaller ones it is more of an experiment to see how fire tolerant they are. Regardless this area will burn every 3 years or so, they need to tolerate or die! The older tree will be fine with quick grass fire like this.
Could you create mini fire breaks by surrounding them with stone?
