transplanting oak trees

Question

I recently purchased two Live Oak trees (6 feet tall?). Over the last 10 years I have lost 3 tall and beautiful Oaks to hurricanes, so I know that they will grow in my yard, but I am wondering if I need to prepare the soil for these transplants. My yard’s soil is largely clay. Any suggestions for the planting?

Thanks,
Mike

Answer 1

As this article explains, live oak's ideal soil type is a loam with acidic pH, but these trees are tolerant of many soil conditions:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/oak/live-oak-tree-care.htm

Alkaline soils can cause nutrient absorption problems in oaks, so if a soil test shows yours is significantly above 7, amend your soil to a neutral or slightly acidic pH. The most important consideration is to make sure these large trees will have enough room to grow in your chosen location.

Here are some articles with suggestions for planting:

https://www.colostate.edu/Dept/CoopExt/4dmg/Trees/command.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/watering-newly-planted-tree.htm