Watering holm oak

Content:

• Holm oak origin
• Holm oak care and location
• Pruning holm oak
• Fertilizing holm oak
• Watering holm oak

Holm oak origin

The holm oak (Quercus ilex), also known as the evergreen oak or Mediterranean oak, belongs to the holm oak family (Fagaceae). It is native to the Mediterranean region, with its native range extending from Portugal through Spain, southern France, Italy, and Greece to the Middle East and North Africa.

Unlike the pedunculate oak or sessile oak, the holm oak is an evergreen tree that retains its leaves even in winter. Its leathery leaves, often covered with a felty coating, protect it from evaporation and make it particularly heat-tolerant.

Holm oak care and location

The holm oak prefers sunny to partially shaded locations with well-drained soils. As long as the soil isn't too compacted, it also thrives in sandy, gravelly, and even rocky soils.

In Central Europe, it should be planted in a sheltered location, as it is only moderately frost-hardy (down to about -10 °C). Young trees are even more sensitive to frost and should definitely be protected during the first few winters.

As a mature tree, the holm oak is extremely easy to care for, as it has adapted to barren and dry locations. Once established in a species-appropriate location, it requires little further maintenance.

The holm oak can also be kept as a container plant in Central Europe. 

Pruning holm oak

A regular Video editing is not necessary for the holm oak. It naturally develops a compact crown and attractive growth. If you want to prune your holm oak, we recommend doing so between late winter and early spring, before new growth begins.

Fertilizing holm oak

The holm oak is adapted to nutrient-poor soils and generally does not require additional fertilization. In particularly sandy or heavily used soils, mulch layer It can be helpful, as it also regulates soil moisture. Be aware that the soil can be overfertilized for certain trees.

In this article you will find more information on the topic Fertilizing trees.

Watering holm oak

Young holm oaks require regular watering in their first few years to develop their root systems. During dry periods, a young holm oak can be watered weekly.

Mature trees are extremely drought-resistant and can survive without additional irrigation even in hot summer months. Their long taproots draw the water they need from deeper soil layers. 

In general, there is Watering trees There are some general guidelines to follow. Here are the most important points:

• If the holm oak isn't in a pot but is planted directly in the ground, you should water it plenty at once. The ideal amount per watering is between 75 and 100 liters. This ensures that the water actually reaches the tree's root area. 
• The water should be released as slowly as possible so that it can reach the tree's root zone. If the water is released too quickly, it will run off the surface, as dry soil can only absorb a small amount of water. Therefore, we recommend using tree watering bags. 
• The tree bath irrigation bags They release water drop by drop into the soil through small holes over a period of several hours. This ensures even soil moisture throughout the entire root zone, allowing the roots to absorb the water well. 
• The irrigation bag is placed around the tree trunk like a jacket and closed with a zipper.  
• Once the water has drained through, the bag is removed and can be used for additional trees. This saves water, time, and money.