Trimming oaks?

[Big E]

A forester told us that if you plant acorns and keep the seedlings mowed down for about 2-3 years they will shoot up very faston the 3rd year. He said by keeping them mowed down all of their energy goes into establishing the root system. Has anyone ever tried this with oaks and if so what time of year works best and how short do you cut them. Also can you do this with oaks that are a couple of feet tall already?

[stevejedlenski]

my advice to you is to talk to a forester. that is what they do for a living and know what works best. i dont think that it would work on a taller tree because then you will get the main trunk growing off the sides of the previous trunk which leaves that tree vulnerable to infestation and snaping off due to its own weight.

talk to a forester, they would know for sure

[Woody]

I agree.  I tried to find an answer for your question.  But I didn't find one.  Maybe try the U of M extension service too? 

[JCAMERON]

I'm not sure that it would grow faster the third year, but I can tell you from experience it will come back every year. When I was younger we had an oak growing in our yard that got mowed down every year. I'm not sure that it would be healthy for the tree, it might get a bit deformed.
Keep us posted!

[Dotch]

It is amazing what they'll take. We have one planted in the yard that gets chewed off by the rabbits every fall before I remember to cover it. It's at least 5 years old and continues to to keep coming back, getting about 6" tall each year. In the woods, the deer, bunnies and other chewers do the same thing. Interesting to see what you find

[Woody]

I forgot all about the oak my son planted 4 years ago in the back yard.  It was a seedling he brought home from school.  When I mowed (rider, and I have my iPod going ) I was sure not to run into it.  2 years ago he started mowing (iPod-rocking out  ) and he forgot about it-bzzzzzzzzz ran it over.  Now last year it came back up and it's doing good.  I can see it sticking up through the snowbank now.  (we got a foot of white crap last week)  I don't recommend trimming with your lawn mower.   

[JCAMERON]

Trimming with a mower -  Banzai tree Minnesota style! 

[Woody]

Trimming with a mower -  Banzai tree Minnesota style!