Saving the American Chestnut Trees
The American chestnut once dominated Tennessee forests. But in the early 1900s, a blight almost entirely wiped out the species.
Thanks in part to the efforts of UT alum Stacy Clark, the tree could make a comeback. Clark, a researcher with the U.S. Forest Service, is testing blight-resistant trees that are 94 percent American chestnut and 6 percent Chinese chestnut.
“The American chestnut grows straight and tall, is highly valuable and has highly flavored edible nuts,” Clark explains. “All that differs from the Chinese. We want the trees to look and act like an American chestnut. But they have to have the resistance genes from Chinese chestnut.”
While the work and research will take years, re-establishing the American chestnut will have significant economic potential for Tennessee, as well as an impact on other trees facing similar fates. “If we are successful, this will be one of the greatest triumphs in the history of forest conservation,” Clark says.
Click the link to find out more about Tennessee’s tree species restoration efforts.
I appreciate the effort on trying to establish Chestnuts back in Tennessee, where can we acquire sapplings..??? I have a property crying out for new varieties… i’m wanting to make my part of TN as diverse in natural spicies… so can you help???
Regards – Bob
Bob,
So glad to hear you’d like to help with this! To learn more about Tennessee’s tree species restoration efforts, you can visit the University of Tennessee Tree Improvement Program’s website: http://treeimprovement.utk.edu/home.htm. There you’ll find information about plantings and seed zones and what you can do to help.
Thanks for reading!
Blair Thomas
Tennessee Home & Farm
A friend who lives in Oak Grove ,Ky ,sent some chestnuts that she claims are ok to eat .
I thought all chestnut trees were killed by a blight years ago . Yet in the 1950’s my uncle
had a small tree . Could that have been the case in Gown City, PA? I’m well aware of
what a Horse Chestnut is.
Thanks for your help,
Bill
the Chestnut tree was responsible for feeding the animals in the forest all over Tennessee. from squirrels to elk that roamed wild from early 1800 to 1900. these trees also enjoyed a human following and became a great holiday food for everyone to enjoy. they are very tasty and are packed with protein. Great for all of Gods creatures. I really want to plant several trees ,on my property and at a lease ground I have in Perry county.
They are not self pollinating what would you use and where would you find both, near Gallatin Tennessee.
I would like to plant a couple of chestnut trees. Who do I contact about obtaining sapplings?
I am not sure if they have saplings, but for more details about growing chestnut trees, please contact the University of Tennessee’s Tree Improvement program at http://treeimprovement.utk.edu/home.htm. Hope this helps!
I think it would be great to grow some chestnut trees in my backyard. I didn’t realize that they are so valuable, like you said. It would also be really cool to grow my own chestnuts from them that I can eat.
https://eusnerfarms.com/
I have an American Chestnut tree on our property. It is at least 60-70 years old. Possibly older. After research on the past owners of the property we found that he planted several types of trees. we have Walnut, dogwood, American and Chinese chestnut, Pecan, Black Maple and many more. The previous owner also ran a mill on the property, which is still standing.
How can we check to test if this is a true American or hybrid tree. since learning about this tree I am now saving the nuts.
Located in Only Tn. Hickman county
From Ala. Have hunting ground in Tn. Last year found chestnut trees (app 5) on side of mountain. Would not have noticed if chestnuts had not been on ground. Tried to make contact with different agencies in Tn, no one interested. Im not looking for membership or donating money, just trying to tell someone this could be a original old chestnut. Will not reveal location of finding at this time. This year, more chestnuts on ground and the trees could possibility be from old stump. I just want to let someone know of my finding, with no run around.
Thanks Joe Smith
Hi Joe, I found the mention of your trees very interesting. You might be interested in supporting the research of the American Chestnut Foundation by submitting a leaf and twig sample. More information can be found at https://acf.org/resources/identification/. Thank you for sharing your story! I am not from this web site, but I appreciate you wanting to contact someone about your trees. You might also be interested in checking out the new book by Dr. Donald Edward Davis entitled “The American Chestnut: An Environmental History.” Best regards! Paul
I believe I have a American Chestnut tree on my property who could I report it to