PQK Chestnut Trees - Castanea dentata ‘PQK’

PQK Chestnut Trees (Castanea dentata ‘PQK’) are excellent chestnut trees from the University of Missouri, hybridized from the Peach, Qing, and Kohr varieties. When you plant this tree, you can harvest the nuts, eat them fresh and roasted, and dry them to use throughout the year! Great for the environment, and great for your appetite!

Plant Details - PQK Chestnut Trees

Family: Fagaceae

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Water Needs: Moist

Height: 25 – 35 ft.

Spread: 20

– 25 ft.

Growth Rate: Fast

Bloom Time: Spring

Flower Color: White

Wildlife Value: Attracts bees, butterflies and birds

Landscape Uses and Maintenance - PQK Chestnut Trees

PQK Chestnut Trees are deciduous trees that has extraordinary wildlife value and landscape value. They produce sweet nuts at a much earlier maturity compared to other chestnut trees.

You can plant this tree to create a nuttery, as a shade tree, or in a native or woodland garden. Avoid planting this tree in high traffic areas where its nuts may be hazardous to passerby.

This tree will make a significant visual impact on your property, with its dark green leaves and ornamental white, feathery flowers that can be seen at a distance. This tree will reliably produce the chestnuts in burrs that are easily separated, with high yields.

Plant this tree in a location that has full sun and well draining soil. Avoid planting it in a location that has compacted or waterlogged soil where it will decline.

Make sure to water this tree until it is well established. Water it during periods of drought.

This tree will attract plenty of wildlife, including birds, small mammals, and butterflies that will eat its edible, sweet nuts from the ground. Make sure you get to the nuts first if you want to harvest them! Various pollinators are attracted to the flowers.

This tree is generally deer resistant once mature; however, you should be sure to protect it while it is young and vulnerable to browsing damage.

Noteworthy Characteristics

PQK Chestnut Trees are resistant to unexpected frosts, anthracnose, and blight.

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Height at Maturity

Over 25 Feet

Care

PQK Chestnut tree thrive in well-drained soil and require regular watering during dry spells. They benefit from annual fertilization in early spring and should be pruned in winter to maintain their shape and remove dead wood. It's essential to watch for pests and diseases.

Plant Reproduction

PQK Chestnut tree spreads via nuts and animal dispersal.

How to Grow and Care for Bare Root Trees

Bare root trees are shipped dormant without soil, making them lightweight, cost-effective, and easy to plant during the cool months of early spring or fall. To begin, soak the roots in a bucket of water for 4–6 hours before planting to rehydrate them. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil and ample space for the tree’s mature size.

Dig a hole twice as wide as the spread of the roots and deep enough to keep the root flare (where the roots begin to spread from the trunk) at or slightly above ground level. Create a small mound of soil in the center of the hole, spread the roots evenly over it, backfill with native soil, and gently tamp down to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting.

Keep the soil consistently moist (not soggy) during the first growing season, and apply mulch around the base—avoiding direct contact with the trunk—to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Stake the tree if necessary, and prune only to remove dead or damaged branches. With proper care, your bare root tree will establish quickly and grow strong for years to come.

Shipping date depends on the date displayed and chosen when you order from the product's page.

We do not accept returned plants. If you purchased an extended warranty we do accept claims, please navigate to the warranty page for instructions HERE