help identifying tree seedling

louball · Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2015 9:12 pm Post subject: help identifying tree seedling

Hi
I'm new here and looking for some help

I found this little guy out in the garden the other day and I'm trying to figure out what it is.

The picture was taken w week ago maybe and the leaves were looking more green to me today.

Would love some opinions as I'm not great on identifying things user

Thanks in advance!

Louise

tippben · Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2015 10:34 pm Post subject:

It's an oak seedling. Possibly Quercus palustris, the "Pin Oak". It'll be easier to tell when the leaves are more mature.

Blowin · Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2015 4:27 am Post subject:

I'll always bow to Tippben when it comes to trees but, if it's not what he says, my first impression is that it's a sweet chestnut.

louball · Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2015 4:55 am Post subject:

Thank you! I had a guess that it might be because of the seed pod.
Is there anything I need to do to look after it?
Also its in a small garden so I presume it would have to move at some point!any tips would be brilliant!

Blowin · Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2015 4:31 am Post subject:

If it is a chestnut, it can become huge over (a very long) time but can be felled to sprout again with multiple stems off the one root stock if it becomes too big for its surroundings. That would need to be done in Dec/Jan when the sap is down.

If you want to see it grow to its full potential, I'd move it now to somewhere that can accommodate it long term. Tippben will advise about his oak?

tippben · Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2015 9:20 am Post subject:

Yes, sorry, I didn't see that bit. I'd clear all the moss and any other vegetation in a 2 foot wide circle from around the seedling, and put a tree shelter or spiral guard round it, attached to a garden cane or similar. This will protect against damage from rabbits, voles, squirrels etc, as well as reminding you of where it is. It will also act as a small "cloche", creating a slightly more benign microclimate. If you can't get hold of one, cut both ends off a 2 litre drinks bottle and use that instead. It is self sown, so should be alright, but lots of water once a week in very dry spells won't hurt. Don't feed it.

In a few weeks, we should be able to positively ID it enabling you to think about where to put it. You'll want to do that this winter to minimize damage.

Greengage · Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2015 11:10 am Post subject:

Get a spade, dig with of spade all around then lift clump and place in large pot 3lt.
Its not going to survive where it is.Unless you are very dedicated gardener.

OscarKane · Guest

If you see a seedling in your garden that looks substantial enough to be a tree, you might wonder what it is and whether it would be worth transplanting. The problem with seedlings is that they lack flowers and fruit, the main features botanists used to classify plants.

earthway · Posted: Wed Oct 14, 2015 1:31 pm Post subject:

i suggest to move your seeding to a pemanent position and now is the ideal time to do it, put in some well rotted organic material to start it off

Sue Deacon · Posted: Wed Oct 14, 2015 6:54 pm Post subject:

I thought at first glance that it was an oak. But I'm not sure now. If it is self sown the parent plant must be about locally, somewhere.

I have 'rescued' a number of self sown tree seedlings over the years. If you are careful not to damage the roots, you can move it anytime. Let it grow on in a pot over winter and decide where you want to put it.

If you think it will be too big for your garden, perhaps a friend or school could give it a home.