BenAllgood
Well-Known Member
If you're into oak regeneration and doing FSI to encourage that in the dormant season, I wanted to share a tip given to me by a forester to make sure I don't kill any oak saplings that I'm protecting. I have a tough time identifying saplings in the winter for some trees.
Hey, Ben.
Luckily, oaks are easy. The most important ID feature for oaks is the buds. Oak buds are in groups at the tip of the branch, as opposed to a single bud, which distinguishes them from other species. Also, lots of oaks (and beech) hang on to some old leaves all winter long. The first image below is of white oak and the second is of various hickory buds. Notice that the hickories have some small lateral buds near the terminal bud (the big one at the end) but not a clump of buds like the oak. Just to be clear, the oak below is white oak but all the oaks that you’ll find on your place will look very similar to this.
When I’m in the woods, even if every other clue is telling me that it’s an oak sapling or pole, I always look at the buds to be sure.
Hope that helps.
Scott.
Luckily, oaks are easy. The most important ID feature for oaks is the buds. Oak buds are in groups at the tip of the branch, as opposed to a single bud, which distinguishes them from other species. Also, lots of oaks (and beech) hang on to some old leaves all winter long. The first image below is of white oak and the second is of various hickory buds. Notice that the hickories have some small lateral buds near the terminal bud (the big one at the end) but not a clump of buds like the oak. Just to be clear, the oak below is white oak but all the oaks that you’ll find on your place will look very similar to this.
When I’m in the woods, even if every other clue is telling me that it’s an oak sapling or pole, I always look at the buds to be sure.
Hope that helps.
Scott.
