How White Oak Trees Grow
- During the spring months, the white oak produces both male and female flowers, which enables it to self-pollinate. Once pollination occurs the acorns begin to form, and reach maturity after 120 days. Viable seed production begins when the tree is 50 to 200 years old. At times, only 18 percent of the acorns produced by the white oak each year may be undamaged and viable in the course of a year, according to the USDA Forest Service's website.
- The white oak drops its seeds in the fall, and germination begins immediately. The seed begins to grow its root system first; root growth continues through the winter months. In the spring the top growth begins. A seedling usually grows approximately 2 feet in the first year.
- The white oak tree grows well as an understory tree. The tree grows well in moist areas, but does not tolerate flooding. Its growth can be affected by drought. The tree has a long lifespan of approximately 500 to 600 years. The tree's long taproot makes it difficult to transplant.
