Germination is favored at soil temperatures between 50 and 60 degrees. Seedling establishment is best on loose soil where the radicle can penetrate into the soil. A layer of humus is important because is supports the acorn and keeps the soil surface loose. White oak seedlings that are established at the time of canopy removal often develop too slowly to become a major component of the new stand. Seedlings of white oak should be several feet tall at time of final canopy removal to better insure them a place in the new canopy structure.
White oak is intermediate in terms of shade tolerance.
It is more tolerant as a seedling and becomes less so as it ages. Sapling and pole-sized white oaks respond well to release. Clearcutting is a recommended silvicultural prescription only if advance regeneration exists. If it is lacking, seedlings need to be established. A reduction of the overstory should stimulate seed production.