Habitat86

Has anyone had any experience with planting hybrid oak trees solely for mast production. I have heard either really good stories(100lb of acorns per tree by age 4) or really bad stories (1 of 15 trees survived). In particular, I was considering Schuettes oak, which is a cross between a Bur Oak and a Swamp White. There are also others, but a double white oak cross seems to be a logical choice for mast.

timbercruiser

Look at Sawtooth Oaks, I think they would work well for you.

Habitat86

Good recommendation on these. The only problem that I would have with Sawtooth Oaks is that I have been told they are slightly invasive. Is this true? I have heard that they are early acorn producers. I would also question the lifespan on a sawtooth. Any idea what the longetivity would be on these? I am sort of looking to "have your cake and eat it too"

timbercruiser

I have heard the invasive part before, but I know the state of Alabama plants them at a lot of the state parks. I don't think there is much problem with it. Near here there is a large Sawtooth at one of the Florida nurseries that is probably 50 years old, big old tree. People go there all the time and pull seedlings up to transplant.

goldenstick

I know that sawtooths don't do real good in the far Northern climates. Have heard that they dieback if it gets too cold. I have ordered some of the hybrids from Morse Nursery. They are only three years old now but are growing. I ordered the Schuettes and Burgambel varieties, along with a few Sargeants. Hopefully I will get some positive results from these trees. They promise to be more cold tolerent. I also ordered some Dunstan Chestnuts this year and planted this fall. They sound real promising.