Question
Hi Tom

I recently rescued a 4ft Rowan and 6ft Oak which were growing happily from the walls (yes, out of the brick) of our old school building. This building has now been destroyed and I would like to re-plant the trees (for sentimental reasons) inside the new school in a large planter in our central atrium. This spot is warm and well lit with natural light from above.
To what extent would the lack of exposure to winter temperatures (in Scotland) interfere with their wellbeing?
What type of soil would be best and how wet should it be kept?
Many thanks for any advice you can give.

Answer
Hi Mark,
Thanx for your question.  Rowans and oaks in general, are deciduous trees which require a cold, winter period in order to remain healthy.  Trees like this go into a dormant state during the winter months in order to rest up for the next season when they will bloom and fruit.  While Rowan flowers and fruit are obvious, the oak flowers are not obvious until you learn what they look like and the fruit is the nut called the acorn.  I apologize if this sounds overly simplistic.

There is one species of oak that I know of in the U.S. called the Southern Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) and there are other oaks like this in Southern Europe and in warmer climates of the Americas that do not go dormant.  If deciduous trees are not allowed to go dormant, they will wear themselves out, draining all of their energy and nutrients to keep growing and they will die from that or succumb to disease due to their weekend state.

I hope this helps.
Tom