How old is that bur oak?

[Ben.MN/WI]

Lots of variables influence the age versus diameter, so it isn't exactly cut and dried. When we moved into our house, we had a smallish (20" diameter) younger bur oak tree that was growing under the canopy of some adjacent old oaks. The old trees grew straight up, but this young tree grew at an angle to reach sunlight. Unfortunately for that tree, it was starting to lean over my house, so I cut it down.

That young tree was 130 years old, so I'm sure some of the old trees are 200+ years old. It is pretty cool to think that the trees in my yard likely had buffalo grazing under them when they were younger.

 

[Foggy47]

I've got a shit-ton of Burr Oaks about this size located throughout my property. These were released after logging my pines a few years ago. They really took off in the time since then....all they needed was to get some sunlight....and they were off to the races. They seem to produce acrorns every second or third year....depending on weather. Hopefully better with more time. I'd bet I have 1000 or more.....and never planted a one.

These three trees seem to be a magnet for game.

 

[SD51555]

I’ve released tons of 10-15’ oaks, and I keep them released, and they don’t seem to do anything. Now, we’ve not had more than 5 inches of rain per growing season for 5 years straight either.


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[KY wild]

I’ve released tons of 10-15’ oaks, and I keep them released, and they don’t seem to do anything. Now, we’ve not had more than 5 inches of rain per growing season for 5 years straight either.


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I forester told me that if a tree is stunted for too long and too harshly it will not respond to being released. He said some oaks are 20 years old and only an inch in diameter. The calculator says that it is basing average growth on trees in forest, not in the open.

 

[Foggy47]

I’ve released tons of 10-15’ oaks, and I keep them released, and they don’t seem to do anything. Now, we’ve not had more than 5 inches of rain per growing season for 5 years straight either.


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One good thing about most of my property.....is that the water table may only be a few feet from the surface. So, while it is all light sandy soil.....if you got deep roots....you will find water. That is huge for growing trees......well drained, but water below.

I can remember trying to dig a post hole for my 4 x 6 gate posts.......and at about 2.5" deep the sand just constantly collapsed from the water present. I put the posts in the ground....dumped-in two bags of dry sackrete per hole....and today those posts are solid as a rock.

 

[SD51555]

One good thing about most of my property.....is that the water table may only be a few feet from the surface. So, while it is all light sandy soil.....if you got deep roots....you will find water. That is huge for growing trees......well drained, but water below.

I can remember trying to dig a post hole for my 4 x 6 gate posts.......and at about 2.5" deep the sand just constantly collapsed from the water present. I put the posts in the ground....dumped-in two bags of dry sackrete per hole....and today those posts are solid as a rock.

Somebody taught me that trick once too. I’ve yet to need to try it but I will.


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[Turkey Creek]

I guess a tree boring sample is the only way to know for sure. We have a Burr Oak at my MIL's that is maybe 8" at DBH. That thing was loaded with acorns 2 years ago. Its in full sun on decent soil. I would wager that tree is less than 15 years old. There are some old Burrs 50 yards away around a old farmstead that look like they are probably 80 years old or better.