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The Professional Gardener

Oak Tree Sprouts

16 years ago

Having a problem keeping oak tree sprouts/shoots/runners out of gardens that surround oak trees. The gardens are in filtered shade most of the day and receive moderate moisture from irrigation system. These areas are getting more and more difficult to keep free of the pesky upstarts.

Any ideas how to keep the sprouts at a minimum?

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Comments (4)

rachel_z6
16 years ago
Are you speaking of in general, or right now? The irrigation will foster the sprouts. I've got some mature oaks and never get volunteers in areas that aren't irrigated (which doesn't go on until later in May, where I am, because of Spring rains).
bullthistle
16 years ago
Get to the acorns before the squirrels. I have the same problem but I just pull up the seedlings.

Here is a link that might be useful: Propagating Perennials
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marib
15 years ago
I don't have a solution for you as I have the same problem, but the most interesting remedy I've seen was to "hedge" the seedings. It created an interesting effect of a hedged shrub encircling the oak.
watergal
15 years ago
Would a pre-emergent herbicide work on the acorns?

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