If you are looking for a tree that is beautiful, useful, and full of surprises, then the chestnut tree is the perfect choice for you!
When I planted mine, I expected some shade and charm – but I also got happy birds, buzzing bees, and a delicious nut harvest (homegrown chestnuts always taste better).
These trees can live over 100 years, grow up to 60 feet tall, and attract plenty of wildlife with their flowers and nuts. They’re great for adding character to your yard and even better for making tasty snacks in the fall.
So, are you ready to grow one in your own backyard? If yes, here are some helpful tips to get you started!
You Should First Decide Whether Chestnut Trees Are Right For Your Yard
Before you commit, think about your yard’s needs and challenges.
Chestnut trees thrive in full sun, so no shady spots are allowed. They also don’t get along with certain pests and diseases, depending on where you live.
In the East, blight can be an issue; in the South, ink disease and gall wasps might show up. And don’t forget about the wildlife – chestnuts are irresistible to bears, raccoons, and turkeys. So, if you already have these hanging around, be prepared for even more visits!
Still, if you’re ready for the challenge, chestnut trees are totally worth it.
You’ll get to enjoy tasty nuts, beautiful flowers, marvelous bark, and the much needed shade during hot summer days.
Just imagine sitting under its wide branches on a sunny afternoon, sipping your favorite drink, and thinking, “Yep, I planted that”.
Also read: 4 Fast-Growing Evergreen Trees You Should Plant For A Beautiful Display Throughout The Year
If They Are, Go Ahead And Plant Those Seeds
With chestnut trees, you have two options: bury the seeds in the ground or start them indoors.
If you decide to plant the seeds directly, be warned that squirrels might come in and steal them. To avoid this, start your seeds indoors.
Plant them about half an inch deep in a potting mix that’s rich and barky. Keep things warm and cozy (70 to 80°F is ideal) and aim to start around late February. Once the weather warms up in May, you can move your seedlings outside.
Just dig a hole twice the size of the rootball, pick a spot with moist, acidic soil and make sure they receive a lot of sunlight. Weekly watering is a must, and if you don’t want hungry critters messing with your baby trees, put up a little fence.
Stakes might also help keep them upright until they’re strong enough to stand tall on their own.
Also read: 3 Simple Steps To Stake Your Trees For The Healthiest And Strongest Growth
Beware Of The Mess They Can Make And Make Sure To Prep For Harvesting
I told you in the beginning that chestnuts are definitely worth it, so remember that while we go through this section!
Chestnut trees come with a bit of mess.Their fallen leaves, burrs, and pods can clutter up your yard and become a slipping hazard if left unchecked.
All this debris might also attract weevils that could ruin your harvest. Clean up regularly, and if the smell of chestnuts isn’t your favorite (some say it’s a little fishy), you might want to rethink planting one near your patio.
When it comes to harvesting, you’ll have to be prepared because the nuts are tucked inside spiky burrs that can poke you – so, sturdy gloves, shoes, and maybe even a hat are definitely required for harvesting equipment.
As the burrs fall, either rake them up or spread a tarp underneath to catch them. You can also give the tree a gentle shake to speed things along. But don’t wait too long because deer, squirrels, and birds will happily beat you to it!
Also read: Here’s A Lovely Easy-To-Grow Ornamental Tree That’ll Have Birds Flocking To Your Yard
Just Don’t Forget To Admire Their Beauty Along The Way
Many folks don’t grow chestnut trees just for the nuts – they grow these trees to admire their magnificence and beauty!
In spring, they produce gorgeous clusters of white blooms called catkins, which ultimately fall on the ground like pretty flower confetti.
By fall, their leaves turn a warm bronze color that makes your garden nice and cozy. They grow and spread pretty fast, so you’ll be able to chill in shade during summer. Their low branches even keep the area underneath nice and cool.
While chestnut trees can be a bit messy with their leaf and pod litter, the rewards they offer make it all worthwhile!
Also read: 10 Bare Root Fruit Trees Perfect For A Bumper Harvest Next Season