Taking care of your Chestnut tree
Make sure to stake and protect your new tree after planting. For more details, see step 8 in the blog from August 30th.
In the early years, it's crucial to keep weeds away from the tree base. Weeds compete for nutrients and water, which can harm your tree. Use cardboard around the base to block weeds; it will break down over time. Then, add mulch around the tree, but ensure it doesn’t touch the trunk.
If you are using a tree tube, prune any horizontal branches in the early years.I usually prune trees in late winter. You can decide the height for horizontal branches once the tree is out of the tube. Be careful when using a riding lawnmower to avoid low branches. Also, watch out for wasps nesting in tree tubes during the summer when checking them!
Fertilizing. Do not fertilize your tree in the next two years. It can affect root growth, and you want the roots to spread out during this time. Test your soil to find out which nutrients, like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, you need.
Summer months. Keep an eye on your trees when it turns hot and dry. It is crucial to water your tree in its first year for survival.