How to Grow Chestnut Trees

The marvelous chestnut, a traditional holiday favorite, is great-tasting and a wonderful source of protein and fiber. Interestingly, you can grow your own chestnut trees in the backyard if you do your research and work at it consistently. The key is to find the right "cultivar" for your particular geographic location. A "cultivar" is a genetic replica of a known variety of chestnut which is grafted onto rootstock for you to plant. Combine the right choice of "cultivar" with the proper sun and soil conditions and quality care on your part, and you are well on your way to successfully growing your chestnut trees.

Things You'll Need

• Land
• Chestnut cultivars or seedlings
• Planting sites in full sunlight
• Proper soil conditions

Instructions

1. Decide whether you want to plant a cultivar or a Chestnut seedling. A cultivar has known characteristics and you can find one that should do well in your particular area by doing your homework. Seedlings are more difficult to predict, but sometimes they grow faster and produce a better crop yield.

2. Plant at least two chestnut trees, as it is necessary to cross pollinate. Plant these 25 to 40 feet apart.

3. Support your chestnut trees with a stake or tie until they are strong enough to stand on their own. And, protect the trees from deer with a tree shelter or plastic netting.

4. Keep the area around your chestnut trees mowed. Also, keep all weeds away in a 3-foot circle around your trees. Adding 2 inches of mulch around the tree, but not touching the base of the tree, will help keep moisture in the soil.

5. Fertilize in the spring and prune in the beginning of summer. This will help keep certain blights away.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not plant in soil containing too much clay because of the drainage issue. Also, soil ph should be in the 5.5 to 6.5 range.

• Chestnut weevils are the biggest problem confronting the grower. The weevils lay eggs in the chestnuts, and when the nuts fall to the ground the larvae eat their way out of the shell and bury themselves in the ground. Insecticides have been ineffective against the weevils. However, letting chickens or guineas work the area under your trees can help eliminate the problem because the animals will eat the larvae. Always boil your nuts after you harvest to kill the chestnut weevils.