Our American chestnut seedlings are shipped as high-quality bare-root stock, carefully grown from nuts collected in a leading conservation orchard.

Size at Shipping

Seedlings typically arrive between 8 inches and 20 inches tall, depending on individual growth rates. This variation is normal for bare-root stock and does not affect long-term health or performance.

Form

Bare-root (no soil around roots), dormant at time of shipment, with healthy roots and buds.

Pollination for Nut Production

American chestnut trees require cross-pollination to produce nuts. A single tree rarely sets viable nuts reliably. For best results, plant at least two (ideally three or more) American chestnut trees within 50–200 feet of each other. This allows wind and insects to transfer pollen effectively during the late spring to early summer bloom period.

Avoiding Hybridization

To preserve pure American chestnut genetics and reduce the risk of hybridization with non-American species (such as Chinese chestnut), we strongly recommend planting multiple seedlings sourced exclusively from us. Planting only our American chestnuts together minimizes unintended cross-breeding.

These seedlings are 100% American chestnut (Castanea dentata), susceptible to chestnut blight like all wild-type trees, but grown from proven, vigorous mother trees that have survived deliberate blight inoculations.

With proper planting and care, detailed below, your trees will grow into resilient, long-lived specimens contributing to the restoration of this iconic species.

Our American chestnut seedlings are shipped bare-root during biologically optimal windows to ensure the highest survival and establishment rates. Timing is determined by dormancy, soil conditions, and weather.

Fall Shipping Window

Orders placed between June and October ship between mid-October and early November.

Spring Shipping Window

Orders placed between December and April ship between late-May and early-June.

Important Notes

• You will receive a confirmation email when your order is placed, followed by a separate shipping notification (with tracking information) once your seedlings are on their way. 
  
• We ship only during these windows to protect tree health – orders placed outside these periods will be held and shipped in the next appropriate window
  
• Shipping is not available to CA, WA, OR, or MI due to state agricultural regulations
  

Why This Timing Matters

American chestnut seedlings are dormant during shipping periods. Fall shipments allow roots to establish before winter; spring shipments align with active growth after the last frost. Planting at the right time dramatically improves long-term success. If you have questions about your specific order timing, please contact us at orders@americastrees.com.

If you're planting seedlings, aim to get them in the ground within a few days. If that's not possible, store them in their original bag in a cool, shaded area. Keep the wood shavings damp—add a splash of water if needed. For delays longer than a few days, “heel in” the seedlings in a shaded trench or garden bed. We don’t recommend potting bare-root trees unless absolutely necessary.

If you're planting seeds, keep them refrigerated in a bag with moist peat moss or sand until you’re ready to sow. Seeds can remain viable for several months this way.

Use pots at least 10–12 inches deep to allow for taproot growth. Fill with a soilless mix: equal parts peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. Pre-moisten the mix in a separate container—think dough consistency, not soup.

Plant seeds ½ to 1 inch deep, with the root tip (radicle) pointing sideways or slightly downward. Never point it up. Cover lightly and place the pot in a warm, sunny location. Water sparingly at first—too much moisture before sprouting can cause rot. Seeds typically sprout in 1 to 3 weeks.

As the seedling grows, increase watering slightly but let the surface soil dry out between waterings. Watch for mold, wilting, or damping off.

When your seedling reaches six to ten inches tall and the risk of frost has passed, it’s time to move it outside. Before transplanting, harden it off by placing it outdoors for a few hours each day, increasing exposure to sun and wind over one to two weeks.

Choose a planting site with full sun and well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Dig a hole deep enough to accommodate the roots and about twice as wide. Gently spread out the roots in the hole and refill with soil, pressing it down to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting.

Mulch with shredded leaves or pine needles to retain moisture and maintain acidity. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the stem to avoid rot. If any part of the nut is still attached at the base, remove it to prevent attracting rodents.

You can also plant seeds directly outdoors in early spring, once the soil can be worked and temperatures stay above freezing. Choose a location with full sun and good drainage. Clear a two to three foot area of grass and weeds. Loosen the soil to a depth of at least eight inches and mix in compost.

Dig a shallow hole, around half an inch to one inch deep. Place the seed with the root tip pointing sideways or down, and gently cover it with soil. Water lightly to settle the soil. If planting in the fall, strong wildlife protection is a must.

Chestnut seeds and seedlings are vulnerable to many animals, including mice, voles, deer, and rabbits. The best protection is a mesh cage made from quarter-inch hardware cloth. Create a cylinder around the tree, secure it with wire or zip ties, and anchor it with stakes. Sink the cage two to four inches into the ground to prevent burrowing pests. Avoid plastic tree tubes during the growing season, as they can trap heat and moisture and cause abnormal growth.

During the first year, water regularly but don’t let the soil stay saturated. Let the surface dry slightly between waterings. Keep weeds and competing vegetation away from the base of the tree. A two to three foot weed-free zone makes a big difference. Mulch or landscape fabric can help with this, but check for vole activity underneath.

Don’t fertilize right away. Wait until the tree is well established or follow the recommendations of a soil test. Chestnuts do best with slightly acidic soil, and sometimes yellowing leaves are a sign that the pH is too high. If needed, amend the soil with elemental sulfur or aluminum sulfate following product instructions.

Chestnut trees need space to thrive. For long-term planting, leave twenty-five to thirty feet between trees. In orchard settings, it’s common to plant closer—around ten feet apart in rows and twenty feet between rows—and thin out the weaker trees later on.

Regular monitoring for pests such as Japanese beetles, gall wasps, or spongy moth caterpillars is important. Use non-chemical control methods where possible, and reserve pesticides for serious infestations.

Chestnut trees are hardy once established, but early care is critical. With attention to soil, moisture, sunlight, and protection, your seeds and seedlings have a strong chance to grow into healthy, resilient trees that can live for generations.

If you need help or have questions, email us anytime at orders@americastrees.com — we’re here to support you and the future of the American chestnut.