American Chestnut Trees

Question: In May of 2023 I planted two bareroot, 2-ft tall American Chestnut trees.  One survived the winter and the other one just got shoots from the ground.  I know you have to have 2 to pollinate each other, so I purchased two of the same in May of 2024.  I am an advanced Master Gardener and have 10 years of professional gardening experience.  I have read up on these trees and the push to get them back into our landscapes.  They are so very anemic looking.  The two I planted this year are not looking as good as I would have hoped.  Can you suggest anything?  They get full sun, good amount of water and are about 20 ft apart.  I planted them in an old baseball infield as I was told they like sandy soil with good drainage.  What can I do to help them?  Please.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 24, 2024, 7:26 PM EDT
response: Hello,  It sounds like you’ve given your American Chestnut trees a good start by considering their need for full sun, water, and well-draining soil. However, if they’re looking anemic, there might be a few things you can check and adjust to help them along:  Watering: Chestnut trees, especially young ones, need about a gallon of water per week. It’s important to water deeply and slowly in a circle around the tree, avoiding direct watering on the tree bark or base.  Soil Conditions: While chestnut trees are drought tolerant, they thrive in well-drained, slightly acidic, sandy soils. If the soil is too compact or not slightly acidic, the trees may struggle. You can test the soil pH and adjust it if necessary. Details on soil testing at this link: Get Started | MSU Soil Test The ideal soil pH for American Chestnut Trees is 5.5, with an acceptable range from about 4.5 to 6.5. It’s important for the soil to be well-drained and to have a slightly acidic to neutral pH level to support the health and growth of these trees. If you’re planning to plant American Chestnuts, it’s recommended to conduct a soil test beforehand to ensure the pH falls within this range  Sunlight: For optimal growth and nut production, full sun is recommended. However, if the trees are young and the sun is too intense, providing some shade during the day might help them adjust better.  Nutrient Management: Go to this link:  https://www.canr.msu.edu/chestnuts/horticultural_care/nutrient-management Since you’ve planted them in an old baseball infield, the soil might be compacted, which could affect drainage and root growth. You might want to consider loosening the soil around the trees and ensuring that it’s not too compact for the roots to grow.  Additionally, it’s always a good idea to check for signs of pests or diseases that could be affecting their health. If you continue to see no improvement, consulting a local arborist or a university extension service could provide more tailored advice for your specific situation.  OPTION 1:  For a confirmed and precise identification of the problem, I recommend you send all your images by e-mail to the MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics Lab. The experts there can also provide you with the best treatment options. Their email is <personal data hidden> - Please include your name – The lab will let you know if they need a sample sent. FYI – The lab may also ask for additional images.   Their website is at this link:   Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)  Their Contact Information is at this link:  Contact Us - Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)  This link will explain the details of submitting a sample to MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics Lab:  Submit Samples - Plant & Pest Diagnostics (msu.edu)  OPTION 2:  You can consult with a local arborist for a more detailed onsite assessment and personalized advice. To find an arborist in your Zip Code go to this link:   Find an Arborist (treesaregood.org)  Remember, trees can take some time to establish themselves, so it’s also a matter of patience. Keep monitoring their progress and making adjustments as needed. Good luck with your American Chestnut trees!  I hope this helps!

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 24, 2024, 8:11 PM EDT
response: Thank you for such a thorough and quick response. I appreciate  On Jun 24, 2024, at 7:26 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:  ﻿