A Lovely Blackgum in Winter

Oaks, beeches, hickories, ginkgoes, bald cypresses, redwoods, chestnuts and others are trees that future generations inherit from previous generations. In human terms, it takes a lifetime to grow an acorn into a mighty oak. Many tree species live hundreds of years, often asking little and contributing much beauty, summer cooling shade, winter heating comfort as windbreaks, and a food source for birds, insects, and other animals.

Select seeds from trees of exceptional parent stock. You may want to collect acorns around an historical site, such as Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage near Nashville, TN or Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello just outside Charlottesville, VA. Pick seeds or nuts from a parent or grandparent’s property.

If you are asked to serve on a tree planting project this spring, do volunteer, not only at digging time, but on the summer maintenance detail. Young trees need nurturing as do young children. When summer is at its hottest and driest, you should be standing by the tree(s) with hose in hand. Apply or refreshen the mulch around the tree(s) to reduce potential weed competition and also to conserve soil moisture.

Frequently, the concept of “mightier than an oak” begins in the mind and caring hands of a gardener like yourself.