To ensure successful planting of Quercus ilex, Espaliers has prepared a list of points of interest and guidelines. Below, we discuss some important points from this list. Give your holm oak the first year of growth attention, and you are guaranteed a beautiful and lasting result. Especially water, planting depth and the support of the tree are the points that guarantee a successful planting.
Evergreen oak is sensitive to transplantation, so we offer these trees as potted espaliers. This makes it possible to plant them year-round.
Even during summer, planting is no problem, though careful watering is essential. Starting in October, the tree can be planted with less care or attention.
The only period during which planting is not advised is during frost or other extreme weather. Nature simply doesn’t allow it.
The Holmoak is one of the few trees with an exceptionally wide range. Thanks to its clever ability to seal wounds and regulate evaporation efficiently, it copes well with both intense cold and extreme heat.
Evergreen oak (Quercus ilex), when planted for privacy, can be arranged in three primary ways: as a natural informal buffer, as standard trees in a single row, or as espaliered trees.
For optimal results, all three options use an average planting distance of 2 meters. The more space available for growth, the wider this distance can be. In smaller gardens, trees may be planted closer together.
If there's enough space, this is the most organic form of screening.
Trees are placed informally, with height selected based on desired privacy levels.
Distance depends on required height and age at planting.
A thoughtful approach ensures maximum effect and minimal maintenance.
This is the most effective method for privacy, especially in smaller or space-conscious gardens.
Espaliered trees take up minimal space.
They maintain light and openness, even inside the home, while adding atmosphere to the garden.
The trees are easy to maintain and integrate naturally.
Previously, evergreen oaks were planted loosely in rows as full standard trees.
Only recommended where ample room is available, as maintenance is labor-intensive.
These trees occupy more space and reduce light, making informal setups or espaliered trees preferable.
Evergreen oak grows well in all soils—sand, clay, loam, rich or poor.
Vital: roots must receive air.
For heavy soils, improve structure using materials like lava granules.
If roots stay aerated, the tree tolerates wet conditions temporarily.
For overly wet soil, improve drainage or raise planting beds.
In extremely wet areas, planting evergreen oak is discouraged; opt for alternatives.
Though wind-tolerant, newly planted trees need firm anchoring with at least two support stakes.
Without support, root development is hindered.
Once rooted, stakes can be removed.
Tip: secure tightly at planting, then loosen after a few months—natural slackening often occurs as materials adjust.
Let me know if you'd like a visual planting guide or help choosing a suitable alternative for wet soils. I can even help write copy for your garden advice pages.
Very important: if you plant holm oak too deep, it will not survive. Keep this in mind if you want to add ground cover later on. You can read a detailed explanation in this article: Planting depth for trees and espaliers.
After planting, watering should be done during dry periods. By dry periods we mean: little or no rain for longer than 1 week.
When planting in spring and summer, you should pay extra attention to watering anyway.
Especially during the first year after planting, the holm oak needs sufficient watering in spring and the first part of summer.
When planting holm oak, do not give fertiliser. Soil conditioner is sufficient, as this tree likes to cooperate with the rich soil life.
During the 1st year after planting, still give no or very little fertiliser, as this is when the tree has to work mainly on its roots and firmly anchor itself in the soil.
From the 2nd year onwards, you can give organic fertiliser. This at the end of January and possibly another very light dose in May - June. Organic lawn fertiliser is very suitable for this.
Caution: work as little as possible with individual compound fertilisers on holm oak, as they do not promote the rich soil life that is necessary and may even disrupt it.
And what about pruning holm oaks?
Read more in this article: Initial maintenance on espaliered trees
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