I got two that have been in about 4 years now. This year, they finally put out over a foot of new growth, twice, this season.

Check your root flare for proper depth. Can make all the difference on establishment and growth.

Red Oak are a tree that likes to put down a tap root, making them slower and more difficult to establish. Hang in there, it will grow.

Ironically enough, I just noticed since I wrote this that two brand new six inch shoots have come out with this heat we are having and huge rain. It’s also growing in grass so maybe I should clear some grass around it and mulch. The height is fine though. I checked. At least I know it’s hardy as it hasn’t died back even in a zone 3 winter this year.

Northern reds can definitely be slow to establish. Not much for consistency in growth among a planted crop of them either. But once/if they get going, you can have a pretty big tree in a relatively short time. Defies the whole "oaks are too slow!" that I've heard plenty of over the years.

If you planted the tree in a wide open, full sun winter location, be careful of sun scald. While not nearly as common as with maples, it can happen to young northern red oak. I learned a tough lesson with this a few years back.

Thanks for that note. I just noticed some cracks on the young tree and I was wondering if I did that with the weed eater.... but it is covered with snow in the winter for the most past as it’s so small. I could put a little trunk wrap on it though.

Snow cover has become so unbelievably inconsistent that I shouldn’t just assume it will go.

And....I just noticed that two of my beautiful new shoots have been tore in half. What the heck would do that? You think animals would eat it? Or wind? I just looked at them a couple days after they showed up and they are torn in half. So much for new growth. Wow.

Could you possibly post some pictures? Different angles and close ups?

Sure I will try to get some tomorrow. Its super odd considering I've never had anything eaten in my yard and the wind doesn't typically rip off leaves especially in a sheltered spot.

Do you find deer wandering through your yard from time to time? Deer like to trim the tasty new growth off of the lower branches of my young trees. They are so helpful that I have to put tall wire cages around all my young trees to ensure that they will grow taller than 6' some day.

Hey Bill, thanks for the reply. I feel ashamed because 90% of the time I do put a mulch ring around my trees and just didn't do it for this one for some reason. I will do that asap though because I know the benefits are great. I have never seen a deer wandering through my yard but there are tons around here. You would think they would nibble on my cedars? I have never seen any cedar damage. But yes, a cage will have to happen!

What type of maple is that?

I wonder....wouldn't a deer eat all of the new growth and not just take a piece off the end? lol Either way, I will cage it for sure!

Deer do most of their damage, towards the end of winter, when other food is scarce. You never know though, once in a while I have deer come at night and taste things I grow, in the middle of summer and I live in town. It only takes one good browsing to cause a set back.

Acer ginnala.

I planted a northern red oak and it's about my favorite tree. 2" dbh 15 gal pot and probably 8-9' tall. It's in its 3rd summer and seems to have established, finally, putting out some 12" shoots. Beautiful deep green leaves in the summer and gorgeous burgundy in the fall turning into an interesting shade of chocolate brown before falling off. love the thing, but I know of no others in my town so I'm still a little nervous about its long-term existence lol .