Not Sure Where to Start?

Chestnuts are long-lived trees, and a few minutes spent checking your site now pays off for decades. Walk through the checklist below before you order. If your yard checks most of these boxes, you’re ready to grow chestnuts.

Site Checklist (print this out and take it outside)

☐ Hardiness zone. Chestnuts do best in zones 5 through 8. Look up your zone by zip code on the USDA map.

☐ Soil pH. Chestnuts prefer slightly acidic soil, about 5.5 to 6.5, but they will grow in soil up to about 7.2. A simple test kit or your local extension office can tell you where you stand.

☐ Drainage. This is the big one. Chestnuts will not tolerate wet feet. Dig a hole about 12 inches deep and fill it with water. If it hasn’t drained within a few hours, pick another spot.

☐ Sun. Full sun, at least 6 to 8 hours a day. More sun means more nuts.

☐ Frost pockets. Avoid low spots where cold air settles on spring nights. Late frosts can damage new growth and flowers. Gentle slopes and higher ground are best.

☐ Partner tree. Chestnuts need a second, unrelated tree nearby to cross-pollinate. Plant at least two different trees within about 100 feet of each other.

☐ Spacing. Decide whether you want orchard-form or timber-form trees. Orchard-form trees grow wide and need about 30 to 40 feet between them. Timber-form trees grow tall and narrower and can be planted closer, about 20 to 25 feet apart. Keep either kind well clear of buildings and power lines. A seedling won’t always match its mother tree’s form, so if you’re unsure, plan for the wider spacing.

☐ Protection. Young trees need a guard against deer, rabbits, and voles. Plan on a tree tube or cage above ground and a wire guard at the base.

Ready to Choose?

Once your site checks out, browse our trees and pick two or more that suit your yard.