Why Red Oaks Don't Regenerate
Here is a quote from a report on red oak regeneration.
"Introduction
Across the Central Hardwoods Region, stands currently dominated by oaks are becoming less common
due to regeneration failures. Long-term fire suppression and the increased mortality of oaks caused by
gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar L.) defoliation and oak wilt [Ceratocystis sogacearum (Bretz) Hunt.], have
resulted in many oak species being displaced by more shade-tolerant species (Hix and Lorimer 1991;
Abrams and Nowacki 1992; Isebrands and Dickson, 1994). Additionally, urban expansion, conversion
of mixed-oak forests to pasture and cropland, and accelerated harvesting has resulted in additional
losses of oak stands across the Region (Abrams and Nowacki 1992; Johnson, 1993). This decline is
particularly true for northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) stands, which currently are being heavily
harvested by private landowners because of the species’ high lumber value and susceptibility to pests
such as the gypsy moth. Consequently, the establishment and restoration of northern red oak stands
are important issues facing resource managers in the Central Hardwoods Region.
Unfortunately, the silvical characteristics of northern red oak are such that it is often difficult to
successfully regenerate these stands. As an intermediate species in shade tolerance with heavy seeds
(Burns and Honkala 1990), northern red oak will not rapidly invade open areas such as old fields or
out-compete other species following harvest operations or in closed canopy conditions. Acorn
production is also often highly erratic from year to year, and predation losses due to insects, birds, and
mammals can be very high. These characteristics when coupled with fairly high moisture requirements
for early growth make northern red oak a prime candidate for restoration planting. "
Notice there is no mention of over browsing by deer.