Planting sweet chestnut

[Stereo]

When's the best time of year to do this, I'm hearing October. Also, what sort of size saplings would be best? The area is rough and has brambles which will be cleared but will come back quickly so I need something that isn't going to be smothered.

 

Also, what else would be good to plant with it? I'm looking for a future supply of construction / fencing timber and tempted to just do half an acre of SC.

[AlexB]

Tube it, in nests 20x20 and stick a ring of hornbeam around the outside as a nurse. The nest/tubes make post planting clearing easier and rabbits/hares will destroy it otherwise. Plant size, go for a 1u1 if you can get it. Bare root will be fine. And you can plant them now with no real issues. Due to cold weather I ended up planting 5k in april and due to hare damage beating up in may (had some left over) and only a 3% failure..... Mostly due to herbivore damage.

 

 

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[Stereo]

Thanks. Any good sources for plants?

[AlexB]

http://www.treesplease.co.uk/sub_category.php?id=1153306692&page=2

 

Mine came from FC stock. But had a little from these folks, was decent enough!

 

 

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[Stereo]

Just a thought. The area has been a pheasant pen which may have had a significant effect on the soil. Elder seems to flourish at the mo.