Why Plant Chinese Chestnut?
Uncommonly planted, the quirky Chinese Chestnut Tree has much to offer the homeowner looking for something a little out of the ordinary. In summer, this relative of the noble Beech Tree sports bizarre, fluffy, 8-inch-long cream-colored catkins that have a heavy fragrance (some like the scent; some don’t). In fall, the flowers have morphed into the proverbial chestnuts that you can roast on an open fire while Jack Frost nips at your nose. The local wildlife will enjoy the bounty, too. (A second Chestnut Tree in the vicinity may be necessary for cross-pollination to ensure a good harvest.) Chestnuts or no chestnuts, you’ll look forward to the amber tones this tree’s distinctive toothed leaves take on before falling in autumn.
Chinese Chestnuts are native to northern China and Korea and were introduced in 1853 and 1903.
How to use Chinese Chestnut in the landscape?
The Chinese Chestnut typically forms branches low on the trunk, which give the tree its characteristic broad-rounded habit. In time, this branching pattern makes for a tree that is fantastic for climbing or for just sitting in on a warm summer day.
Planting Zones
Hardiness Zone: 4-8
How To Plant Chinese Chestnut
Performing best in somewhat acidic, loamy soil (not pure sand or clay but something in between), Chinese Chestnut is easy to please where soils are deep and rich, although it can also cope with situations that are less than ideal. Give it a site in full sun. Like most trees, Chinese Chestnut needs regular water during the first couple of years in the ground, but after it’s established, it can handle hot, dry weather on its own, as long as the drought isn’t unusually severe. While not immune to the blight that killed most of the American Chestnuts, this species is resistant to it. Properly feeding, watering, mulching, and pruning your tree will go a long way towards keeping it strong and disease-free.
How To Water
Chestnut Trees will appreciate watering deeply, and regularly during its first few years in the ground. Irrigate weekly, and especially during long dry spells or extreme heat after it’s established.
How To Fertilize
Chinese Chestnuts do not require fertilizer, but if you really want to give you tree a little springtime boost we recommend our Elements Starter Plant Food.
How To Prune
Chinese Chestnut trees do not require pruning.
How Does Shipping Work?
Bower & Branch Trees, the real BIG trees, don’t fit in a box! Our big trees, sizes XL and bigger, require expert delivery and care, that means our extra-large trees are shipped on Bower & Branch trucks. We are the only ones who know how to ship our big and bigger trees and plants with tender loving care. We deliver your trees and plants directly to you. Ask Bower & Branch about planting services – we'd be happy to assist in installation.
*For Big trees and Shrubs, Size XL and bigger: Review our Seasonal Shipping Timelines and Policy here.
Your trees and plants are grown across the United States at various Bower & Branch Growers. Depending on your location, your plant orders may be shipped from various locations. Please expect orders with multiple items to be delivered over a number of days as a result. Orders made up of numerous items or selections will not arrive at your home on the same day.
Shipping Delays:
From time to time, Bower & Branch Growers may determine to delay order shipment based on various factors for plant health. Weather in your region, as well as, where your plants are grown, is always considered when shipping. Extreme weather conditions may delay some or all of your order. Bower & Branch allows our Growers to make final shipping decisions based solely to benefit your trees and plants’ health and success.
How Does Sizing Work?
The size of our trees have nothing to do with the container size like you may find elsewhere–big doesn't mean just height - it’s also vigor, age, and overall health. Other online retailers are going to tell you that a plant is a seven gallon, that means nothing to your tree or plant (or you.)
Our trees for sale online are graded on large, x-large, and even bigger sizes. This is because our trees are sized by their age—the higher the letter, the more mature the tree. The age determines the trees’ overall height, size of the trunk and the overall branch density.
All of these characteristics are what you should be looking for when choosing a tree for immediate impact and instant curb appeal. Our extra-large tree and plant sizes are sure to wow you and your neighbors!
See the size guides below.
