Once the most common tree in eastern North America and the most important source of mast for game and wildlife, the American chestnut was almost wiped out in the early 1900s during a blight that killed off 30 million acres of trees. Thankfully, the chestnut is making a comeback in the form of the Dunstan Chestnut.
Once the most common tree in eastern North America and the most important source of mast for game and wildlife, the American chestnut was almost wiped out in the early 1900s during a blight that killed off 30 million acres of trees. Thankfully, the chestnut is making a comeback in the form of the Dunstan Chestnut.
In fact, the Dunstan Chestnut is now the most widely planted chestnut tree in America. This blight-resistant tree has produced the best quality nuts by commercial orchardists all over the U.S. for the past 30 years. This hardy tree bears nuts in only two to four years and produces more high quality nutrition per acre than any oak species or hybrid. It has a regular annual bearing (no skipped years like all oak species) and excellent production – 2,000+ lbs/acre or more. In fact, one tree will bear 10 to 20 lbs of nuts by the time it is 10 years old, which is before most oaks even start to produce.
The sweet-tasting nuts are high in carbohydrates (40%) and protein (10%), and have no bitter-tasting tannin like oaks, which make them irresistible to deer and undoubtedly the best food plot tree, period. Dunstan Chestnuts bear crops for 50 to 100 years or more, with no replanting, providing an excellent, cost-efficient way for attracting and holding deer on your property. In addition, the tree can be planted in more sites than annual food plots because of its ability to adapt to different slopes, soil types and locations.
Dunstan Chestnuts are not only an excellent foot plot tree, but they provide an ideal way for rebuilding native forests after logging. In addition, the chestnut brings back the heritage of America’s native hardwood forests providing your children, their children and many generations of wildlife with the benefits of a healthy and productive forest.
Realtree Nursery grows the best quality Dunstan Chestnut trees using root-enhancing pots and advanced production techniques. Realtree Nursery’s Food Plot Trees, including the Dunstan Chestnut, are available at select Wal-Mart stores, or you can order trees directly from the website www.realtreenursery.com, or by calling toll-free 1-855-386-7826.