Removing a Young Oak Tree: Cut, Treat, and Replant Safely

You have a 5–6 year old oak (4–5 inch trunk) in the wrong spot, dropping acorns. You want it gone and a new tree planted nearby. Good news: at this size, removal is straightforward and replanting close by is feasible.

Best Removal Method

1. Cut the trunk as low as possible (within 1–2 inches of ground).
2. Immediately paint the fresh stump with undiluted glyphosate (Roundup) using a brush or sponge. This translocates to the roots and prevents resprouting.
3. No need to dig out roots. They will decay naturally over a few years.

Timing Matters

Apply glyphosate while the tree is still actively growing (leaves green). Once leaves turn color in fall, the tree shuts down translocation and the treatment won’t work. Do it now.

Replanting Near the Old Stump

• You can plant a new tree 2–3 feet away from the old stump next spring.
• You may encounter a few old roots while digging—just cut them out. They will not harm the new tree.
• The old root system will decay and actually add organic matter to the soil.

Transplanting the Oak (If You Want to Move It)

If you’d rather relocate the oak:

• Root ball: 9–12 inches wide per inch of trunk diameter (36–48″ wide for a 4″ trunk), 6 inches deep per inch (24″ deep).
• Best times: early spring (before leaf-out) or fall (after color change, before ground freezes).
• Protect roots with moist burlap; prepare the new hole first (twice the root ball width).
• Consider hiring a tree-spade service for a tree this size.

Key Points

• Oaks don’t have a deep taproot at this age—mostly lateral roots.
• Use straight glyphosate on the fresh cut; no water needed.
• Don’t use “weed & feed” fertilizers near trees—they contain herbicides that can kill oaks.

Bottom Line

Cut low, paint stump with undiluted Roundup now, and plant your replacement tree a couple of feet away next spring. Simple and effective.