The oaks need full sun and lots of attention to do well. Persimmons will tolerate shade. Don't be too distressed with the persimmons if they die back. They're harder than most trees to transplant but they usually grow back from the roots.

When trying to mow rather than spray or cultivate to help the trees you have to remember that the tree roots are restricted by the closest tall grass next to the trunk that they encounter. You could mow the strips between trees completely but they won't do well if there is grass next to the trunk. Mulch works well around the oaks for this purpose.

The forester recommended a 6 X 6' spacing for my pines. His reasoning was that the trees will shade the competing grass sooner and let the pines take off. Also; that the pines will self trim at that spacing. The wider the spacing, the more manual trimming will be required to remove dead branches as the trees get taller.

Dan O.