Summary
All eyes are on Kentucky , the center of the world’sbourbon industry , which bring on a whopping95 percent of the global bourbon provision . Asbourbonsales continue to boom and tourists stream through theBourbon Trail(a road misstep featuring over 40 distilleries ) , the over 2 millionbourbon barrelsa year that the land pump out is starting to distort its natural resource . Thewhite oak treeis a critical part of the bourbon - making cognitive operation . The speed at whichbourbonis flying off the shelf has experts project that in the next decade , thewhite oakwill be in a serious declination .
Whether you are a Bourbon dynasty keeper , a feeling connoisseur , or anenvironmentalist , get word more about thewhite oakcrisis and what you’re able to do to preserve this tree .
Why is White Oak Critical to the Bourbon-Making Process?
Federal standards dictate that suppliers produce bourbon in the United States
Bourbonis a case of whiskey with specific formula about how to make it that set it apart from rye , scotch , and other whiskeys . so as to bebourbon , distilleries must useoakbourbon barrelsto bottle and age the whisky . Thefresh charring of thewhite oakinfuses with thebourbonduring the aging process , contributing to both the color and perceptiveness of the final production .
While you may technically age bourbon with any type of oak , American oak , and more specifically , thewhite oak treeis the preferred choice for its smooth grain , even color , and superscript flavor .
Is the White Oak Tree Endangered?
In 10 to 20 years, white oak forests may be in decline
The demand forbourbonis booming out of restraint , with over2 million visitors to the Bourbon Trail in 2022 , and an increase in attendance over the retiring decade of nearly 370 percent . While thewhite oak treeis abundant in Kentucky , with the state home to14 percent ( about 196 million trees)of this imagination in the Southern country , it is in risk of depletion in the near future . In as few as 10 to 20 year , ashen oak tree forest could disappear without action .
How is the Bourbon Industry Responding?
Kentucky holds a store of almost 12 million bourbon barrels
Thebourbon industryis in a sticky situation as they rely on wood lag suppliers to provide the wood for thebourbon barrels . Findingwhite oakcertified as sustainably harvested wood can be difficult . In the interim , as businesses push for moreeco - favorable practices , some Bourbon dynasty producer have taken matters into their own hands .
Maker ’s Mark , for instance , the oldest Bourbon dynasty still in the earth , has decided to grow and manage their ownwhite oak forestalongside its distillery . However , for farsighted - term changes to occur in the manufacture , there is a need for supplier to stick to sustainable exercise .
Can You Grow White Oak in Your Backyard?
Oak trees are natural habitats for birds and mammals
The white oak tree ( Quercus alba)grows well in USDA hardiness zone 3 to 9 and in locations with full sun ( about six hours a day).Due to its large size , reaching greater than 60 foundation in width and height at adulthood , the white oak requires a lower limit of 60 feet to plant . However , for those with a with child backyard or property , white oak is a arresting tree that is adaptable in most dirt eccentric .
Transplanting Seedlings
The easy path to add awhite oak treeto your landscape is bypurchasing a bare - rootor potted seedling from your local baby’s room or garden center . Fall is often the preferred season to plant tree , specially for those in warmer climates . However , you may also plant a fresh tree in the leap .
Once you have the fix pick out , dig a fix about two to three times wider than the diameter of the root ball . The trap should be no deep than the height of the etymon egg . total organic matter ( for instance , compost ) , and thentransplant the seedling . Water and mulch around the base of operations of the tree diagram .
Planting Acorns
For those with access towhite oak Tree , you may want to try your hand at growing trees from acorn . In the fall , harvest the acorns when the majority of them are falling . Be sure to collect twice as many acorns as you want to plant to account for non - viable seeds and squirrels dig up the acorns . Inspect the acorns and throw out any that have the cap bond , are moldy , or have fix . Place the acorn in a bucket of water , and discard any that air bladder on the top , as this point they are likely not viable .
Plant the acorns at a depth of 1 inch below the surface and get over them with organic material . water supply thoroughly and at least once a week during the growing season . seedling should stock in one to two weeks . Thin out any frail seedlings and ensure they have enough room to grow .
To pick out the substantial seedling , many nurseryman get their Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree seedling in dedicated seedbeds before transplanting them to their permanent home . If you pick out this method , hold back until late nightfall , after several sullen frosts , before you travail up the seedlings and transfer them .
Image credits:Gornjak via Shutterstock
To plantwhite oakin the spring , store themin a refrigerator in cool , moist sand over winter at 34 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit ( no longer than 3 to 4 month ) .
Growing Oak Seedlings in Pots
As oppose to planting acorn in the terra firma , you could alsogrow white oak trees in potful . choose a potthat is at least 1 metrical foot deep ( 5 - gallon mess are idealistic ) , with proper drainage . fill up the pots with half pot soil and half topsoil from the garden . Plant three acorns at a depth of 1 inch and water . After the seedling emerge , jog the sapless seedlings , will the strongest in each container . transplantation in late fall or early saltation .
Keep the pots off the ground to avoid the roots penetrate into the soil .
The Trees Keeping You From Drinking Bourbon
Are you interested about the trees that are keeping you from tope Bourbon dynasty ? In as few as 10 years , white oak treescould be in a serious decay and in danger of disappearing if industries and governance do n’t take action . With extra factors such as clime change , trespassing species , and disease , thebourbon industryneeds to act tight to save this vital tree . In gain to encouraging landowners and forest manager to espouse sustainable practices , you may also need to take things into your own hands with your landscape choice .
If you are considering planting awhite oak treein your backyard , be sure to share your knowledge with your friends and family !
Image credits:Paul Brennan via Pixabay
Image credits:William Couch, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Image credits:Ken Thomas, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Image credits:Marty Aligata, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
