Rewilding My Lot

We have two Live Oak trees in front of our house planted by the builder. I pondered for a long time whether to keep or replace them (if they grow to maturity, they — or their roots — will be too big for that space), but for now they are staying. I (or the future house owners) may eventually regret that choice, but I just hated the thought of removing two healthy, native trees.

When they were originally planted (probably around December 2022), they were tied to stakes to keep them upright. However, now they’ve been in the ground about a year, it’s time to take those stakes out. If a tree is allowed to sway in the wind, the roots will grow stronger.

During the year, both trees have shown new growth. One made more new leaves, and the other made more acorns. They’re both about 7-8 feet tall. Here they are without their supports.