Here we examine the many variables that lead to acorn development. Supporting Publication: How Do Acorns Develop? extension.tennessee.edu/publi... Participant Survey: tiny.utk.edu/backporch
It might, but research by Dr. Craig Harper indicates that fertilization of oak trees does not affect acorn production. Perhaps because it can't be soil incorporated and other plants take it up. Oaks typically have larger acorn crops on 3-5 year intervals. But I'm not an expert on this topic.
Dr. Mercer, question for you? I have tried a number of various methods of planting acorns to stimulate oak tree sapplings in areas that have large amounts of sunlight but need trees. Is it better to just broadcast the acorns on the ground after I have germinated them and let Mother Nature handle the rest, or should I plant them just under the soil surface about and inch? When hiking through our forests in the Fall, I see lots of acorns that have fallen from the tree laying on the ground that have germinated and growing roots. Perhaps I just need to be more patient but my results are not what I expected.
Growing oaks from seed is challenging. In short, collect the acorns as they drop in the fall. "Float" them to find the viable ones. Those that float should be discarded. White oak acorns can be sown in the fall. Red oaks will need to be stratified (stored in the refrigerator in damp paper towels and a slightly open bag for oxygen), then sown in the late winter. Acorns should be sown into rich soil about 1-2" deep and firmly covered with soil. Plant at a density of about 12 per sq. ft. Then lightly cover with leaves and cover it with hardware cloth to prevent predation. After the threat of frost, remove the hardware cloth and leaves. Partial shade is sufficient.
