Question
Hello Tom! Your expertise may be just what I am looking for! I am a proffesional Landscape Designer and have many clients that want to develop their properties for Wildlife (Myself included!). I would like to get the low down on propagating Gambel Oak, Native Chokecherry and Wild Plum from their acorns/seeds. I would sincerly appreciate your help with this! Personally, my elevation here in Colorado is 8100' if that helps. Thank you in advance for your time and assistance! Scott

Answer
Hi Scott,
Thanx for your question.

1. Gambel oak will require 2-4 weeks of 40F or lower temperatures to break dormancy.  
2.  Chokecherry will require 120-160 days at 36-41F (colder is ok too) to break dormancy.
3.  Wild plum requires up to 6 months at 40F or below to break dormancy.  Seed has a naturally low germination rate.  May require two cold/warm periods (two seasons) to break dormancy.

Here's what I would do.  Plant your seeds in flats of good potting soil, 1 inch deep.  Make your plantings in the fall, i.e., now...make sure that the flats receive moisture throughout the winter.  You will see seedlings come up after the last frost next spring.  Wild tree seeds germinate erratically.  You could have seedlings emerging all spring and next year.  I hope this helps.
Tom