What's wrong with my sweet chestnut?

[sandspider]

Hi all

 

Hoping someone can help. A few years ago I planted 10 sweet chestnuts in two small rows, trying to grow some posts for future fencing. One of them died, which I thought was due to drought, so I left it there. But I see that now a couple more are ill or dead. See pics below. I'm guessing they've got some sort of disease- any idea what? And I imagine I should cut out and burn the dead ones ASAP?  Hoping I can save the rest, but it may be too late- though they look healthy for now

 

Thanks.

[Squaredy]

21 minutes ago, sandspider said:

Hi all

 

Hoping someone can help. A few years ago I planted 10 sweet chestnuts in two small rows, trying to grow some posts for future fencing. One of them died, which I thought was due to drought, so I left it there. But I see that now a couple more are ill or dead. See pics below. I'm guessing they've got some sort of disease- any idea what? And I imagine I should cut out and burn the dead ones ASAP?  Hoping I can save the rest, but it may be too late- though they look healthy for now

 

Thanks.

Sad to say this area suffers from Phytophera in chestnut as well as Larch.  No idea if this is the problem with your tree however but it is possible.

[sandspider]

Ah, that's certainly possible. There's larch behind our house, and it may well have phytopthora. Will Google the symptoms. 

Oh well, suppose there's no rush to fell the dead ones, it'll be everywhere.

[Mesterh]

Iirc, Phytophera spreads more rapidly in wet, boggy ground. So if possible some drainage may help. Check that out before you pull the trigger on a £10k drainage installation plan like.

[sandspider]

Thanks. It's a dryish patch of ground as it happens, and I won't be spending any money on drainage! I'll cut out the dead ones and see what happens to the rest. Shame.