How fast do chestnuts grow in a plot?
Dunstan Chestnuts are the perfect food plot tree. This hardy, fast-growing tree has a vast growing range that stretches from Florida to Wisconsin. Chestnuts bear nuts in 3–5 years, compared to 10–20 years for oaks, and can produce up to 2,000 pounds per acre at maturity.
How are Dunstan chestnuts grown?
Our Dunstan Chestnut trees are grown from seed harvested from an orchard of grafted trees of our largest nutted varieties all inter-pollinating each other, and we plant only the largest nuts. Chestnuts are affected by metazenia, in which the nut size of the male pollen parent determines the nut size of tree grown from nuts planted from these trees.
How many nuts does a chestnut tree produce per year?
A chestnut tree that’s about 10 years old, for example, could potentially produce up to 20 lbs per tree each year. That same tree could up its nut production to as much as 100lbs per year by the time it reaches maturity at 15-20 years.
How do you increase the production of chestnuts?
Chestnuts bear on the outer growth each year, and so maximizing sunlight around the tree increases overall production. If the trees are planted closer (20’x20’), it will increase early nut production but the trees will crowd out and production will only occur at the top of the trees (15+ years).
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How long does it take for Dunstan chestnuts to grow?
3-5 yearsThe nuts ripen in September-November. Dunstan Chestnuts can produce nuts in only 3-5 years of age depending on care and climate. Trees planted in colder regions such as USDA zone 5, may bear between 5-7 years of age.
How long does it take for chestnuts to grow?
Chestnuts can be a very profitable crop. They begin to bear in only 3-5 years, and by 10 years can produce as much as 10-20 lbs/tree. At maturity (15-20 years) they can produce as much as 50-100 lbs/tree or up to 2,000-3,000 lbs/acre each year.
How tall do Dunstan Chestnuts get?
40 - 60'For more information see the Ordering & Shipping section below.Height40 - 60'Soil pH5.5 - 6.5Light RequirementsFull sunPollinationRequires Pollinator. Plant a minimum of 2 Dunstans, we recommend 3 or more for best pollination and mast production. Ideal spacing for nut production is between 30-40' apart.7 more rows
How fast do chestnut trees produce nuts?
between three and seven years oldMost varieties of chestnut only begin to produce nuts when they are between three and seven years old, although you may be able to get your first harvest as quickly as two years after planting if you select grafted saplings.
Do chestnut trees need a lot of water?
About a gallon of water per tree is usually enough. If it is really hot, they may need a second watering during the week. The area around the trees should be kept mowed. A circle about three feet wider than the diameter of the trees should be kept free of grass and weeds.
How much is a chestnut tree worth?
Compounded by 5% interest for 50 years, that one tree is valued at $57,151. Adjusted for inflation, the value is even more. With that line of thinking, a tree that produces a food source like chestnuts could be worth much more than your average tree.
What is the best tasting chestnut?
Pollen producer - large chestnut from Italy - Many sources discussing various chestnut cultivars mention Marrone di Marradi as one of the best chestnuts. Its superior flavor, sweetness, and easy pealing are its best attributes.
Do deer like Dunstan chestnuts?
Realizing they had discovered an ideal plant for deer hunters to use in establishing food lots, Realtree Nursery was established and became the exclusive producer of Dunstan Chestnuts. Chestnuts offer deer a healthy source of food during the fall. Due to their flavor, they are a favorite wildlife food.
How many chestnut trees should I plant for deer?
Trees should be spaced about 35 to 40 feet apart. It's a good idea to plant more than one variety of Chinese chestnut. Grown in groups of two or more, Chinese chestnuts cross-pollinate to produce edible nuts. A 10- to 15-year-old Chinese chestnut may produce up to 300 pounds of nuts each fall.
Do you need two chestnut trees to produce nuts?
With the use of at least 2 chestnut cultivars that produce viable pollen close enough to each other, all the chestnut trees will have the potential to produce nuts.
Can humans eat Dunstan chestnuts?
Dunstan Chestnuts begin to bear fruit in early fall. The sweet-tasting nuts of the Dunstan Chestnut can be roasted and eaten. But this is more than a nut tree.
What is the best fertilizer for chestnut trees?
We recommend using Scotts Osmocote Plus for younger trees outdoor/indoor (15-9-12) or Espoma Holly Tone or Tree Tone Organic Fertilizer recommended amount per directions. Spread the fertilizer evenly under the entire canopy of the tree avoiding a 5-inch area around the trunk.
Do you need two chestnut trees to get nuts?
With the use of at least 2 chestnut cultivars that produce viable pollen close enough to each other, all the chestnut trees will have the potential to produce nuts.
Do you need two chestnut trees to produce fruit?
Make sure you have enough space for at least two giant trees before committing to grow chestnuts. You'll also need to plan to have at least two chestnut trees planted within ~100 feet of each other (or less). This ensures that your chestnuts will be able to cross-pollinate in order to produce nuts.
Can you grow a chestnut tree from a nut?
Direct seeding is the easiest way to do chestnut tree propagation. Up to 90% of the seeds germinate. Use healthy nuts from a mature tree over 10 years old and plant them in the spring in a sunny site with well-draining soil.
When should you plant chestnuts?
The chestnuts will require a minimum of two to three months of cold before they will germinate. After cold storage the chestnuts can be planted indoors around February and March. Seeds should be placed on a warm, sunny window sill or in a greenhouse with a temperature of 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Best Time to Plant Dunstan Chestnut Trees
There are two considerations you need to examine when determining the best time to plant a Dunstan Chestnut tree. The first is what time of year, and the other is how old should the tree be if you are transplanting it.
Tips for planting Dunston Chestnut trees
All you need to do is make sure the roots stay moist and get a good start with at least six hours of sunlight per day. The more sun, the better they’ll grow. In cooler parts of the country, particularly coastal areas, it may be necessary to protect your plants from frost in late winter.
Conclusion
It’s best to plant Dunston Chestnut tree is when the fall season begins, so that they will put their energy into producing a robust rooting system. While one or two chestnut trees may be enough for some people, others will want to plant several together.
How Fast Do Chestnut Trees Grow?
Chinese chestnut trees can grow 1 to 2 feet per year, ultimately reaching a height of 40 to 60 feet tall at maturity.
How Long Does It Take For A Chestnut Tree To Bear Fruit?
According to Chestnut Hill Tree Farm, a chestnut tree will bear fruit 3 to 5 years after planting.
What Kind Of Soil Do Chestnut Trees Like?
According to the Chestnut Hill Tree Farm, chestnut trees prefer well-draining soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.5. This means that sandy soil is ideal for growing chestnut trees, since it drains very well.
What temperature can chestnut trees withstand?
Most chestnut trees will grow in USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 9. This means that they can withstand temperatures down to -5 degrees Fahrenheit ( -20.6 degrees Celsius). Chestnut trees can withstand frost, and some varieties can withstand temperatures down to -10 degrees Fahrenheit or lower!
What caused the decimation of chestnut trees?
According to the Michigan State University Extension, “This important tree for food and lumber was decimated by a fungal blight that was introduced into the New York area on imported chestnut trees around 1904. The chestnut blight fungus, Cryphonectria parasitica, quickly spread across the eastern half of the United States, killing more than three billion trees by the 1930s.”
Why is chestnut blight so bad?
Chestnut blight was caused by an Asian bark fungus, and the disease destroyed billions of American chestnut trees between 1904 and 1930.
What zone is chestnut tree hardy?
There are some hybrid varieties of chestnut trees that are hardy in USDA Zone 5 (down to -10 degrees Fahrenheit). Chinese chestnut trees are not hardy to Zone 5, but they can survive as far south as USDA Zone 10.
How old do Dunstan chestnut trees bear?
Dunstan Chestnut™ begin to bear at only 3-5 years of age of the tree, care and climate they receive. Trees planted in colder regions such as USDA zone 5, may bear between 5-7 years of age. The best location is a south slope, with good air and water drainage – avoid frost pockets.
Does Chestnut Hill have mail order trees?
At Chestnut Hill Outdoors, we’ve been shipping mail order trees for over 30 years. We’re experts at delivering healthy trees to your doorstep. All of our trees are container grown in root-enhancing pots, ensuring healthy root systems and much better success upon planting.
When do chestnuts produce?
Most chestnut tree varieties flower in the spring and produce nuts in the fall from about mid-September until November. You will know when your nuts are ready to harvest when they have fallen from the tree and split open.
How tall do chestnut trees grow?
In the best circumstances, American chestnuts can grow at a rate of 2-3 feet per season and reach a height of up to 100 feet.
How Long Does It Take for a Chestnut Tree To Bear Fruit?
Although many chestnut varieties sprout and grow quickly, it takes longer than you might think for them to produce nuts. The length of time depends on which variety you have.
How Much Does a Chestnut Tree Produce?
Chestnut trees produce a ton of fruit each year. If you have several mature trees that produce good quality nuts on your property, you could end up profiting significantly. Or, you can save the nuts for you, your friends, and your family.
Why are Chinese chestnuts so popular?
The Chinese chestnut produces sweet nuts that are great for holiday feasts and provide sustenance for wildlife.
Can you harvest chestnuts?
Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but many varieties produce delicious nuts as well. Depending on the type of chestnut you have, you may be able to harvest them for a profit. This article looks at the growth of chestnut trees, and how long it takes a tree to mature and produce nuts.
Do chestnut trees need attention?
Once established, these trees don’t need much attention.
How old do Dunstan chestnuts need to be to produce nuts?
Dunstan Chestnuts can produce nuts in only 3-5 years of age depending on care and climate. Trees planted in colder regions such as USDA zone 5, may bear between 5-7 years of age. The Return Of The Chestnut.
Where are Dunstan chestnuts grown?
Reports from growers at thousands of locations around the U.S., from New England to Michigan, south to Florida and Texas have shown that the Dunstan Chestnuts have excellent survival, growth and nut production in a variety of climates, from USDA Zones 5-9.
How many nuts do Dunstan chestnuts produce?
Dunstan Chestnuts seedlings produce heavy yearly crops of very large and sweet-tasting nuts. The nuts average 15-35 nuts/lb, as compared to Chinese nuts (35-100/lb) and American nuts (75-150/lb). They are much better tasting than imported European nuts and are never bland or bitter. The nuts peel easily, unlike imports that have clinging and ingrown pellicles (seed coats). The nuts ripen in September-November. Dunstan Chestnuts can produce nuts in only 3-5 years of age depending on care and climate. Trees planted in colder regions such as USDA zone 5, may bear between 5-7 years of age.
What caused the Dunstan chestnut tree to die?
The American chestnut was the most important food and timber tree species in the Eastern hardwood forest. It was almost completely destroyed by a bark fungus accidentally introduced from the Orient in 1904. Within 40 years, over 30 million acres of chestnut trees were killed from Maine to Georgia and west to ...
What is the second generation of Dunstan hybrid chestnuts?
The second generation of Dunstan Hybrid Chestnuts shows a variable combination of American and Chinese traits. They are not a particular % of American or Chinese parentage.
Where did James Carpentar find the Dunstan chestnut tree?
The Dunstan Chestnut. Castanea dentata X mollissima. In the early 1950s, James Carpentar of Salem, Ohio, discovered a large living American chestnut in a grove of dead and dying trees. A member of the Northern Nut Growers Association, Carpentar was very impressed with the tree as it showed no evidence of blight infection.
What was the impact of the loss of the chestnut tree?
The loss of the chestnut, at the time of the Great Depression, had a devastating effect on the people and wildlife of the Appalachian mountains. The economic loss from the chestnut’s demise amounted to untold millions of dollars.
Why do deer eat chestnuts?
Chestnuts are chosen by deer over all other nuts because of their taste and nutrition. They are high in carbohydrates (40%) and contain up to 10% high quality protein. This provides the critical easily-usable energy source over all other available foods during the rut in the fall.
What is a grow tube?
Grow tube is attached to the stake inside using double-wire twisters. (Photo © Russ Chastain) Grow tubes help protect the young trees from rodents and even deer — you wouldn’t want your deer attractant killed by a buck using it as an antler rub before it can ever produce nuts!
How big do Dunstan chestnut trees grow?
TREE SPACING. Dunstan Chestnuts can get large, as much as 60’ tall and 40’ wide. We recommend a 30’x30’ (54 trees per acre) or 40’x40’ (25 trees per acre) spacing for planting.
Which country grows the most chestnuts?
The U.S. is the only country in the world that can grow chestnuts that does not have a large commercial chestnut industry. The U.S. imports $20 million of chestnuts yearly because there are fewer than 2,500 acres of chestnut orchards in the U.S.
Why are chestnuts stored in caves?
Because chestnuts are living seeds, if they dry out the embryo dies and the high levels of carbohydrate allow mold to infect the nuts. The nuts must be stored under refrigeration as soon after harvest as possible. Traditionally in Europe they were stored in caves, or under chestnut leaves on the north side of a building in the shade.
How much does a chestnut tree cost?
Trees planted in colder regions such as USDA zone 5, may bear between 5-7 years of age. Wholesale prices for large, high quality chestnuts are $3.00-5.00/lb, and higher for organically grown chestnuts. Retail prices range from $3-10.00/lb. This is a superior return to pecans, hazelnuts and many other tree crops!
What animals eat chestnuts?
Animals, especially deer, love to eat chestnut nuts and leaves and rub the velvet off their antlers on young trees. Grow tubes help protect against deer browsing and killing the young trees with their antlers, as well as protect against rodents and rabbits chewing on the trunks, especially during winter when food is scarce. However, if nut predation is severe, it may be necessary to fence your orchard. An 8’ metal deer fence is expensive, especially on large orchards. A very effective alternative is a 3 wire electric fence. Deer can eat up to half of all production in an orchard so it is important to look into protection.
What type of soil do chestnuts prefer?
Areas that are too steep may be hard to harvest with machinery. SOILS. Chestnuts prefer a well-drained (better drained than apple trees require) sandy loam with a pH of 5-6.5, but will grow in other soils. Avoid heavy clay and wet soils with a high water table or that stay saturated for long periods of time.
What is chestnut flour used for?
In Europe, chestnuts are dried and ground into flour, which is used in a variety of cakes, pastries, pasta and desserts. Chestnuts are also ground into a puree and sweetened with cane sugar and other flavorings, resulting in delicious jams and preserves. MARKETING.
