The Shumard red oak is named after Texas state geologist, Benjamin Franklin Shumard. The dark grey bark is a wonderful contrast against the green leaves. In the fall, the leaves turn red and red-orange in color.
Shumard red oak can grow 4-feet each year. Under the right conditions, it can reach heights of 80 to 120 feet. Shumard grows well in moist acidic soils, but does not like to grow in rocky, or alkaline soils.
Find the Location
Prepare the location where you want to plant the Shumard tree. The area should have ample sunlight during the day. Keep a distance of 20 to 25 feet from any structure. Structures are not only houses and sheds, but it includes driveways, sidewalks, and foundations. There should be the same amount of space separating the Shumard tree and other trees and shrubs as well.
Prepare the Location
When you have found the perfect location, remove all vegetation in a 4- to 6-foot diameter circle. In the center of the circle, dig the planting hole. It should be twice as deep and twice as wide as the rootball. Scuff up the sides of the planting hole with the edge of your spade or shovel. This allows the roots to penetrate through the sides easier.
Amend the soil you removed from the planting hole with 2 to 3 inches of organic compost.
Fill the planting hole 2/3 full with amended soil. Tamp the soil lightly with your hands to eliminate air pockets.
If your tree is growing in a plastic pot, you will need to remove the container before planting. Be careful when doing this so you don’t disturb the soil around the rootball. Some trees come wrapped in burlap. If it is a natural burlap fabric, then all you need to do is remove the wires that hold the burlap around the tree. Pull the burlap down so it is 1-inch below soil level. If the burlap is plastic, then you will need to remove it from the rootball.
Plant the Rootball
Place the rootball in the center of your planting hole. The top of the rootball should be a 1/4 to a 1/ 2-inch above the surrounding soil level. Adjust the soil beneath the rootball by either adding or removing soil until it is the right height. The soil will settle beneath the rootball and it will soon be level with the ground.
Check to make sure the tree is standing straight and in the center of the planting hole. Begin to fill in the hole with amended soil. As you progress, gently tamp the soil with your hands to remove air pockets. When the soil is half-way up the rootball, fill the hole up with water. Allow the water to drain away naturally and then finish filling the hole with soil.
Water
Give the tree a good drink of water. Turn the water pressure to a slow flow and allow it to run for an hour or more. You want to make sure that the bottom section of the rootball receives moisture. With the water running slow, The moisture can penetrate deep in the soil and not run off to be waste.
For the first seven days that the Shumard red oak is in the ground, water it every day. After that, cut back on watering to once a week for the first year. On the second growing season, reduce watering to once every two weeks. You’ll want the soil to stay moist, but not soggy or the roots will rot.
In the cleared area around your tree, add a 4-inch layer of organic mulch over the ground. Keep the mulch 1- to 2-inches away from the trunk. When mulch is against the bark, it invites disease and insect problems. Mulch helps control weeds and maintain soil moisture.
Feed your tree with a slow-release fertilizer. Apply according to label directions.
