The Turkey Oak has been grown in Britain since the 1730s. A grand spreading tree with neat oval shiny green leaves turning to a rich yellow bronze in autumn. The charming acorn cups are covered in a green mossy growth. The trunk has a craggy fissured bark as it ages.

A fast-growing vigorous tree with a broad canopy it is best planted in parkland or large gardens. Shade tolerant when young, it thrives in most fertile well drained soil, loving chalky soil in general but may not be wind  resistant on shallow chalk, otherwise it is suitable for coastal locations.

The birds love the Knopper Wasps, once thought to be damaging to our native Oaks.

Cultivation: Parklands & large spaces

Soil: Most fertile, well-drained soil, likes chalk

Position: Wind resistant, likes sun in most aspects

Foliage: Deciduous bright green leaves

Flowering: Dangly catkins between April & May

Fruit: Acorn cups

Habit: Broad canopy

Hardiness: Fully hardy

Growth: Fast growing, vigorous

Benefits to Wildlife: Birds, Bees & small wildlife

Height & Spread in Maturity: 22m x 16m

Of Interest: Turkey Oaks host Knopper Gall wasps which can reduce the ability of our native Oaks to produce viable acorns. However this scare isn’t as bad as predicted as birds love eating the wasps which greatly lessons the danger to our beloved Oak.

History: Grown in the South of France, through Turkey and has been growing wild in Britain for several hundred years.

Preparing your site before planting: Dig a hole at least twice the size of the tree’s root system. If possible, mix some well-rotted compost or manure in to improve the soil. We also recommend Rootgrow.

After the tree is planted, firm down the soil and stake and tie it. Water it well, especially in dry weather and weed it around the tree. Let the soil dry out and re water the tree. Some watering and weeding is fairly necessary in the trees first year after planting