Quercus robur (Oak)
Price range: €32.00 through €82.00 inc VAT
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Description
A native wild tree producing excellent timber and squirrel food in winter with lovely acorns. Long living Oaks can spread several metres and grow 35m+. Any deep soil will do, and it thrives best in sunshine.
A large deciduous tree 25–35 m tall (exceptionally to 50 m), with lobed and nearly sessile (very short-stalked) leaves 7–14 cm long. Flowering takes place in mid spring, and their fruit, called acorns, ripen by the following autumn. The acorns are 2–2.5 cm long, pedunculate (having a peduncle or acorn-stalk, 3–7 cm long) with one to four acorns on each peduncle.
Latin Name: Quercus robur
Common Name: Oak
Origin: Western and southern Europe, northwest Africa, and southwest Asia.
Hardiness: Fully Hardy. Will survive unprotected outdoors in most areas of Ireland, even in the harshest winters.
Growth: Achieve about 30-40cm a year.
Sun: Thrives in full sun to partial shade
Sold in Bundles of 25 Stems
Each stem and bundle being graded to give a uniform plant size and the very best quality.
Recommended 5 plants per single row per metre/7 plants per offset double row
Optional Guard and Cane included at €2 per stem discounted price.
Make your selection from the drop down menu below.
The more you BUY the more you SAVE!!
- Description
- Detailed Information
- How many plants do I need?
- Bare Root Planting
- Aftercare
- ACRES General Verses ACRES Co-operation
What is the ACRES Scheme?
The ACRES Scheme (Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme) is a €1.5 billion environmental programme introduced by the Irish government under the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Running from 2023 to 2027, the scheme is designed to support farmers who take steps to protect biodiversity, improve water quality, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions on their land.
ACRES encourages practical, nature-friendly farming practices. These include planting native hedgerows like whitethorn, sowing multi-species grasslands, protecting existing habitats, and managing field margins and watercourses.
The ACRES scheme is a flagship agri-environment climate initiative in Ireland, aimed at addressing biodiversity decline and providing income support for farmers. It is part of Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan and is designed to support farmers who implement approved environmental actions on their land. The scheme offers various payment options, including ACRES General for individual farmers and ACRES Co-operation for collaborative projects. Farmers can earn up to €10,500 annually for specific actions that benefit the environment, such as planting native hedgerows, sowing multi-species grasslands, and protecting existing habitats. The scheme also supports the creation of small native forests on farmed land through the Native Tree Area (NTA) Scheme. For more information on how to qualify and apply for the ACRES scheme, farmers can visit agfood.ie or consult with advisors.
What Qualifies for the ACRES Scheme?
To qualify for ACRES, farmers must commit to implementing a selection of approved environmental actions on their land. These actions include, but are not limited to:
- Planting native hedgerows (e.g. whitethorn/hawthorn)
- Creating species-rich grassland
- Establishing tree belts or native orchards
- Protecting existing habitats and stone walls
- Creating buffer zones along watercourses
- Reducing chemical fertiliser use
Detailed Information
ACRES APPROVED
Priced per bundle of 25, Recommended 7 plants per Single row
Quercus robur (Oak) 60-90cm
How many plants do I need?
ACRES APPROVED
Here’s a clear visual reference for hedge spacing:
• Single row at 5 plants per metre: evenly spaced in a straight line, about 20 cm apart.
• Staggered row at 7 plants per metre: two offset lines, creating a zig-zag effect with tighter density.
You can see this illustrated below:
Recommended 5 plants per single row per metre/7 plants per offset double row
Why this matters 🌱
• Single row (5/m): Best for straightforward hedges where uniformity is key. It uses fewer plants but still creates a solid line.
• Staggered row (7/m): Provides quicker coverage and a thicker hedge. The offset planting fills gaps, making the hedge denser and more resilient.
40-60cm = 7 plants per metre
60-80cm = 7 plants per metre
80-100cm = 5 plants per metre
120-150cm = 5 plants per metre
Bare Root Planting
Pros:
- Cost-Effective: Bare root plants are generally cheaper than potted plants.
- Variety: Greater selection of species available.
- Establishment: Often establish quickly in the garden.
Cons:
- Timing: Must be planted during the dormant season (late autumn to early spring).
- Initial Care: Require careful handling and timely planting.
Preparation for Planting:
- Soak Roots: Immerse the roots in water for a few hours before planting to rehydrate them.
- Inspect: Trim any damaged roots with clean, sharp scissors.
- Dig Hole: Ensure the hole is wide enough to spread roots out without bending them.
- Consider Cutting back: Cutting back by up to 1/3, especially on taller plants will reduce possible losses and improve plant establishment.
Planting Process:
- Plant Depth: Plant at the same depth they were grown in the nursery, indicated by the soil mark on the stem.
- Fill Hole: Backfill with soil, ensuring no air pockets around the roots.
- Water: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots.
Possibility of Losses:
- Adjustment Period: Some plants may not survive the transition due to transplant shock or poor initial care.
- Mitigation: Proper planting techniques and aftercare, like regular watering and mulching, can reduce losses.
Aftercare Tips:
- Watering: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during the establishment period.
- Mulching: Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Protection: Protect young plants from extreme weather and pests.
Bare root planting is a straightforward, economical way to enhance your garden, provided you follow these essential steps to ensure successful establishment.
Aftercare
Like our other hedgerow mixes, ACRES Hedging is best trimmed from August onwards when nesting birds have fledged. With any luck, you may be able to persuade a neighbouring farmer to trim it back with his flail hedge trimmer, which is much easier if the hedge is a long one and just as good as cutting by hand.
If you have any other questions about our ACRES Hedging Plants, please do drop us an email, or call our team of hedging experts on +353 44(0)9606864
ACRES General Verses ACRES Co-operation
The difference between ACRES General and ACRES Co-operation
General: available nationally (outside of the high priority geographical area defined for the ACRES Co-operation approach) and offers a range of actions for individual farmers, both targeted and general.
Co-operation: available to farmers in defined high priority geographical areas, and involves results-based payments as well as bespoke farm and landscape actions. Contracts have been awarded for the management of Co-operation Projects (CP), and farmers will be supported by new teams, who will develop local action plans for their zones.
Check out map of each of the zones and the teams who will manage them:
