In the central Loess Plateau of China, a comprehensive study was conducted on secondary forests dominated by Quercus acutissima to analyze the developmental patterns of regeneration from seedlings to saplings and eventually to mature trees. The research aimed to construct a growth model for these trees and explore the direction and objectives of community development. The findings revealed that the Quercus acutissima secondary forest exhibits a complete natural regeneration sequence, capable of self-sustaining renewal. This regeneration process is influenced by eight key habitat factors, which explain between 48.0% and 96.0% of the observed variability. Notably, seedling mortality was highest during the initial stages (I-II), with survival rates significantly improved under conditions of high canopy closure and on slopes with cooler, wetter microclimates, which provide a more favorable environment for seedling establishment. As the forest progresses from seedlings to saplings and then to mature trees, the importance values of Q. acutissima and Pinus tabulaeformis increase markedly. Specifically, the importance value of Q. acutissima rises from 57.70% to 62.20%, while that of P. tabulaeformis increases from 8.22% to 10.80%. This trend indicates a clear competitive advantage of these two species over others in the community, suggesting a developmental trajectory toward a mixed coniferous-broadleaf forest dominated by Q. acutissima and P. tabulaeformis. Consequently, any assisted management strategies should be designed to support and enhance this natural progression. The study identified the Richards model as the optimal growth model for Q. acutissima. According to this model, trees reaches its quantitative maturity at approximately 150 years, with predicted target values for diameter at breast height (DBH), height, and volume being 45.00 cm, 17.5 m, and 1.1569 m³, respectively. The growth process of Q. acutissima was further divided into six distinct stages: 1-18 years (initial growth phase), 19-46 years (rapid growth phase), 47-100 years (stable growth phase), 101-150 years (near-maturity phase), 151-204 years (maturity phase), and ≥ 205 years (over-maturity phase). This detailed stage-based classification addresses the limitations of traditional methods that rely on fixed age classes (e.g., 20-year intervals) for categorizing secondary oak forests, providing a more nuanced understanding of their growth dynamics. The results of this study offer valuable insights for guiding management decisions related to secondary oak forests. By understanding the natural regeneration patterns and growth stages of Q. acutissima, forest managers can develop targeted strategies to enhance forest productivity. These findings are particularly relevant for the Loess Plateau, where secondary forests play a critical role in ecological restoration and sustainable land management. Moreover, the principles derived from this research can be applied to similar ecosystems, where secondary forest regeneration is a key component of broader conservation and restoration efforts. In summary, this study underscores the importance of recognizing and supporting the natural regeneration processes of Q. acutissima secondary forests. By leveraging the insights provided by the Richards growth model and the detailed stage-based classification of growth phases, forest managers can make informed decisions that align with the ecological trajectory of these forests, ultimately promoting their long-term sustainability and ecological function.