Watering the turf oak

• Turkey oak origin
• Turkey oak care and location
• Cutting turf oak
• Watering the turf oak
• Fertilizing Turkey oak

Turkey oak origin

The Turkey oak (Quercus cerris), also known as the Turkish oak, is native to Southeastern Europe and Western Asia. Its natural range extends from the Balkans through the Caucasus to the Middle East. It was introduced to Central Europe in the 18th century and has since been cultivated primarily in parks, arboretums, and large gardens. In warmer regions of Central Europe, such as southern Germany and Austria, it has partially become naturalized.

The Turkey oak is a heat-loving and drought-resistant deciduous tree that can grow up to 35 meters tall. It has a broad, spreading crown and strikingly deeply lobed, alternately arranged leaves. The underside of the leaves is often covered in felty hairs, which distinguishes it from other oak species. In autumn, the leaves turn yellowish to brownish, but often do not fall until late or even late spring.

A distinctive feature of the Turkey oak is its elongated, oval acorns, which sit in distinctively mossy fruit cups. These "torn" husks give the Turkey oak its name. The acorns take about 18 months to ripen. In its native habitat, the Turkey oak plays an important role in forestry and as a habitat for numerous animal species.

Turkey oak care and location

The Turkey oak prefers warm, sunny locations and thrives on permeable, calcareous soils. It is very heat-tolerant and can cope with drought better than many native oak species. However, it does not tolerate waterlogging well. It is particularly suited to locations with nutrient-poor, sandy, or stony soils, making it a good choice for drought-prone regions. Due to its rapid growth and robustness, it is increasingly being discussed as a climate-resistant tree species for urban greening or as a replacement for weakened forests.

Cutting turf oak

The Turkey oak does not require regular pruning. At a young age, light training pruning can help develop a stable crown structure. In older specimens, pruning is limited to the removal of dead or damaged branches. The ideal time for all pruning is late winter or early spring, before bud break begins.

Water the turf oak properly!

In the first few years after planting, regular watering is crucial for the growth and development of a stable root system. Although the Turkey oak is considered drought-resistant, prolonged heat waves can lead to drought stress, especially in young trees. The soil around the trunk should be evenly moistened without causing waterlogging.

It's important to water sufficiently and allow the water to seep deep into the plant. This is the only way to reach the deeper root layers, which ensure the tree's survival during dry periods. Watering is best in the early morning or evening, when evaporation is lower.

Practical help is provided by the tree bath watering bagThese are placed around the trunk, closed with a zip fastener, and then filled with up to 100 liters of water. The water is released into the soil drop by drop over many hours. This allows it to slowly and efficiently penetrate deeper layers of the soil and be absorbed by the roots. In addition, the bag covers the soil surface, which noticeably reduces evaporation. This makes watering not only more effective but also more water-efficient. Especially on hot days or during prolonged droughts, this method is a valuable support for young trees and newly planted specimens. For older Turkey oaks with a wide trunk circumference, several bags can be combined.

Do you need to fertilize Turkey oak?

The Turkey oak grows in nutrient-poor soils and doesn't require additional fertilization. To promote soil life, a little mature compost or a thin layer of leaf or bark compost can be applied in spring. This helps retain soil moisture and protect the root zone. Mineral fertilizers should be avoided to avoid disturbing the soil's natural balance.