How to Plant Your White Oak Sapling

A oak sappling with both hands, ready to be planted.

Tips for Planting and Maintaining a Healthy White Oak

Thank you for joining Riverbend at this year’s Winter Fest in Reston! We’re thrilled to share a white oak sapling with you – a living reminder of the season and a gift that will grow for decades. With its striking branch structure and rounded shape, this classic deciduous tree adds beauty, shade, and character to any Virginia landscape.

  • 1

    Choose the Right Location

    • Select a site with full sun (6+ hours of direct light daily)
    • Allow enough room for mature size (these trees can get large!) – 50-100 feet tall and 50-90 feet wide
    • Avoid compacted or soggy areas where water collects to prevent root rot

  • 2

    Plant Your White Oak

    • Plant your white oak right away for the best chance of survival – either in the ground or in a pot until ready
    • Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and equal in depth
    • Keep the root flare level with the soil surface
    • Backfill using your native soil and press it gently around the roots
    • Add 3-4 inches of mulch, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk

  • 2

    First-Year Care

    • Water deeply twice per week during the first year
    • Skip watering in winter unless it’s unusually dry and temperatures are above freezing
    • Avoid pruning during the first year while the tree establishes roots
    • Wait to fertilize until the second growing season
    • Protect from deer with fencing or repellent if needed

  • 2

    Long-Term Care

    • Start light fertilization in the second year
    • Prune only to remove dead or damaged branches
    • Maintain a 2–3-foot mulch ring to retain moisture and block weeds
    • Water deeply during extended dry spells
    • Watch for early signs of stress or decline, such as thinning canopy or leaves falling early, and reach out if you notice any changes

Need Help or Have Questions?

At Riverbend Landscapes & Tree Service, we love helping our neighbors grow strong, healthy trees. Whether you’re wondering about soil, watering, or long-term care, our ISA Certified Arborists are here to guide you.


Ask us about our tree health management programs to keep your entire landscape thriving year-round.

Call Riverbend today at 703-402-9366

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