We've sold 15 or so of the chestnuts sprouted this spring. Probably going to plant the rest (about 80 chestnuts, 70 walnuts, and 5 apple) this fall. Nephew has a small excavator with auger attachment. Will likely buy a larger auger for it and use it instead of gas powered auger to save my back, speed it up, and create a larger area of loose dirt for roots.

We visited TreePro and purchased one hundred of the 6' tall tubes and some of that treatment they offer. They gave us a tour of the place and talked with us quite a bit. Not very impressive on the outside; but pretty darn neat.

Some of the initial 61 trees referenced earlier in this thread that were sprouted in Spring 2022 and transplanted fall of 2022 are now about 15 feet tall. Probably around 45 of the initial 61 survived - despite not watering. Much better survival and growth rates for those in the tubes (we didn't have enough). We had a couple of the trees break over when hit by some strong winds so we bought some 10' long 1" diameter schedule 40 PVC pipe. Used a drill and 2" diameter 36" long auger to drill holes to hold a few of the pipes. Tore up some roots on at least one tree and getting drill very hot so relented to use some 5/8" five feet long sections of oil pump rods as posts, drove those down, and then slid the PVC pipe over the top. Much better solution. Less risk of damaging roots, better support for pipe, pipe extends higher (full 10' height), and it is MUCH faster (and easier on the drill and me).

Will replace the chestnuts that died. Probably buy some apples, pears, and persimmons to put in strategic spots. Plant the walnuts along creeks / bottoms where can't really farm. Plant the remaining chestnuts and apple trees at edges of woods and semi-clearings within the woods. Will probably fell some trees to open up more space / use the tubes / stakes / and weed matting. Have some ground that was in CRP and went out this year; but not really great farmland. May see if can put it in tree program where I can plant and choose my own trees.

Some of them are branching out right above the 5' tubes. Several aren't branching and I'm a little worried about those spindly 15 feet tall two year old trees. I put the 10' stake beside them and tied them loosely to it with flagging tape (tied loosely so it'll not break over, move in the wind, and hopefully build a strong stem). Should I be worried about how tall some are getting without branching? Any suggestions?

Mature trees appear loaded with chestnuts. Do I do this again this fall for next year? Not certain yet.

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