American chestnut establishment from direct seeding Photos and narrative by Arlyn Perkey
Figure 1: A root radicle emerging from a chestnut seed
When establishing chestnuts from seed, the probability of success is increased if you plant seeds that are pre-germinated. The radicle emerged from the seed while it was in cold storage. With careful handling during the planting process, this seed will become a seedling.
Figure 2: A recently germinated American chestnut in a carton
Often trees with winter storable fruits like walnuts, hickory nuts and acorns from some oaks are germinated (direct seeded) in the tree shelter. With difficult to obtain seed, like American chestnut, it may be advisable to germinate the seedlings in cartons where they can be better protected from seed predators. This 1-month old seedling was germinated from the nut in a predator free environment (Figure 1). It was out-planted in mid June of 2008.
Figure 3: American chestnut with Plantra treeshelter over top of seedling
Competing vegetation was cleared by grubbing and with herbicide. A ventilated Plantra tree shelter was installed to continue protection on the planting site. The healthy green foliage and initiation of a second spurt of growth indicate that 10 days after out-planting, this seedling is growing well in the tree shelter (Figure 2).
Figure 4: This is the same seedling 14 weeks after out-planting.
This 12-inch tall American chestnut seedling has set a healthy bud and will be ready to resume vigorous growth in the spring of 2009 (Figure 3).
Figure 5: American chestnut stump
If possible, it is best to establish American chestnut on the type of site where it was characteristically found. In the Central Appalachian Region that was often on relatively dry sites with acidic soils. Old residual American chestnut stumps can be found in some areas. Currently, we frequently find species like chestnut oak, black oak, white oak, hickory and red maple in these locations. Old stumps, topographic location (ridges and dry slopes), along with current species composition provide clues for finding sites that formerly supported a component of American chestnut (Figure 4).
