What to do with this Dunstan Chestnut?

[cutman]

I planted this dunstan chestnut at least 5 years ago. It flowered in year one and has produced every year since, but it doesn’t seem to be growing much. Last year it put out multiple shoots from the ground. Usually I prune these shoots, but I can’t help but wonder if the tree is telling me something.

Should I prune these shots as usual, or should I let one continue to grow and maybe select it to be the main tree?





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[Native Hunter]

Cutman,

I can't help much with that question, but I do notice what looks like a lot of lichens on that tree trunk. I've always read that they are not harmful but can indicate low vigor. The only tree in my yard that looks similar is a grafted apple tree. It is also a tree that doesn't seem to be growing much (like you describe). It does make me wonder if something is not quite right with our trees. The lichens may not be causing a problem, but they could be an indicator of a problem we can't see.

I wouldn't be bold enough to advise you to cut it off and select another shoot as the main trunk, but I can say that if it were me, I probably would. I can't do that with my apple tree because it is a grafted tree.

As a side note, I have a Chinese Chestnut tree that has died 3 times now. It gets about 15 feet high and dies but then comes back from the roots. I'm about tired of messing with it, so the next time it dies, I'm going to get rid of it. It is surrounded by many other Chinese Chestnuts trees that have never had an issue.

Best wishes.............

 

[dogghr]

Not sure of chestnut but what I know of oaks is as Native pointed out, lichens tend to grow on slow or poor growing trees as the bark is not shed as frequently as in fast growers and they can't attach as easily. With oaks that is usually indicative of lack of moisture or the opposite, too much moisture inhibiting growth. Might ck those factors. Lichen do not hamper the tree. Or maybe the tree just sux, that happens.

 

[cutman]

I’m going to cut it. The lichens started growing years ago so they’ve been there for awhile. Like y’all, I’ve been worried that they are an indicator of poor vigor.

There should be an extensive root system. Hopefully one of the shoots will grow into a happy tree. Thanks.

 

[Jack Terpack]

I have no idea if what I am asking is possible, but that never stopped me before.
Could the sprouts have roots below the surface that would allow you to dig them up?

Could these be replanted in a different location then? I did this many years ago with plum trees
that sent up sprouts constantly. The new trees never fruited, but I grafted to them and had great trees
in end.

 

[Chipdasqrrl]

I’m going to cut it. The lichens started growing years ago so they’ve been there for awhile. Like y’all, I’ve been worried that they are an indicator of poor vigor.

There should be an extensive root system. Hopefully one of the shoots will grow into a happy tree. Thanks.

I would do the same. The tree is trying to spend its energy on sending up new shoots, so cutting the tree would allow it to spend all of its energy on the shoots.
Are you going to leave all the shoots, or cut all but one?


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[cutman]

I cut it today. The center of the stump looks weird.




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[cutman]

I have no idea if what I am asking is possible, but that never stopped me before.
Could the sprouts have roots below the surface that would allow you to dig them up?

Could these be replanted in a different location then? I did this many years ago with plum trees
that sent up sprouts constantly. The new trees never fruited, but I grafted to them and had great trees
in end.

For chestnuts, no. The sprouts do not have separate root systems, so they can’t be transplanted.

 

[Brushpile]

Good decision! The root system will put it's energy into growth and will replace the cut tree in one growing season.

 

[Charleston Treeman]

I cut it today. The center of the stump looks weird.

View attachment 11305


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Verticillium wilt maybe? That would explain the poor performance of the tree.

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[Brushpile]

It wouldn't hurt to spray it with fruit tree spray.