For taller options and non-tree planting schemes Contact us stating species, height/girth and delivery postcode.
Aesculus Hippocastanum Horse Chestnut Options
75-100cm: 1-2 years old, 3-5L pot.
150-180cm: 2-3 years old, 9-12L pot, usually Half Standard.
180-240cm: 2-4 years old, 15-20L pot.
Girth 08-10 cm: Delivered in a 30-50 L pot and a "Standard" Approx. 225-275cm tall
Girth 10-12cm: Delivered in a 30-50 L pot and a "Standard" Approx. 275-300cm tall
Girth 12-14 cm: Delivered in a 50-70 L pot and a "Standard" Approx. 300-350cm tall
Girth 14-16 cm: Delivered in a 50-70 L pot and a "Standard" Approx. 350-400cm tall
Approximate Tree Heights
Once you get over 200cm, girth is a better measurement of maturity. As a general rule, each size up is around 12-18 months growth meaning you get more canopy and root system.
Aesculus Hippocastanum (Common Horse Chestnut)
If you are looking for an unusual gift for the kids then try giving them a conker tree. It doesn't need batteries, gets them out of the house and lasts a lifetime.
Considered a large tree at maturity so don't go planting a seedling in your childhood window box and expect it to have performed well when you come back as a pensioner. Expected to reach at least 9m tall and 4m wide at the 20 year point and could keep growing. Obviously it stops at some point because otherwise astronauts would be picking conkers whilst out doing Space Station maintenance. 40m is a reasonable expectation of ultimate height. If astronauts are picking conkers at that height then Houston really does have a problem.
Characteristics of note are the obvious fruits aka conkers, the unusual white upright flowers and masses of autumnal colours. Some conker trees have been known to display paparazzi photographers when some celebrities are nearby but we cannot guarantee our common Horse Chestnut trees will show them.
It has the RHS Award Of Garden Merit and fully frost hardy for the UK so it comes as no surprise that it is a popular choice in many ornamental gardens and public parks. A fast growing tree so expect it to fill out your space faster than other similar trees.
Planting Aesculus Hippocastanum (Common Horse Chestnut)
Clay and chalk tolerant, the common Horse Chestnut can be planted in most locations which explains why it is popular in public parks and gardens. Plant in full sun or partial shade in exposed or sheltered positions.
Pruning Aesculus Hippocastanum (Common Horse Chestnut)
This is a tree that you can hard prune hard at any time without any harm to the tree.
Planting Aesculus Hippocastanum (Common Horse Chestnut)
Tolerant of chalk and clay soils, you can plant this tree almost anywhere.
Compatible with most soils and environments, providing they are not too acidic or dry, this tree is a beautiful addition to any large garden or park. Expect a final height of up to 20m (65ft 7in).
Possibly Brain Numbing Horse Chestnut Facts
During the first and second World war, the government ran a campaign for conkers to be collected as they were a source of starch used in the production of Acetone. This was used to make armaments and not as nail polish remover as is used today.
A popular choice for Bonsai and is the symbol of Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine.
The young conkers are mildly poisonous as they contain alkaloid saponins and glucosides which cause sickness when consumed. This is found in the leaves, fruits and bark. When eaten by horses it can cause tremors and lack of coordination which maybe cause a great deal of amusement when eaten before competitive Dressage but is just fundamentally wrong.
The Horse Chestnut Anne Frank mentioned in her diary was in the middle of Amsterdam and survived until 2010. Saplings grown from those seeds were taken to America and donated to organisations of note such as the 911 Memorial Park and Holocaust centres.
See What Our Customers Are Saying About Our Horse Chestnut Trees
This is to say thank you very much for the delivery of the horse chestnut tree. It is a lovely specimen and we are very pleased with it. We understood about the problems you have had with deliveries and just wanted to say thank you for all that you have done and are doing. regards Neil Duckers 0620-26308
Hello Senior Dogsbody, Thank you for the white horse chestnut tree I sent for my new nice Lucy. My family had a tree planting ceremony. I hope she can enjoy seeing it grow up with her. The last white horse chestnut tree got eaten by Murfy the horse. Its very cold in Scotland so I hope it will make it. Mum has put tights on it to protect it from the frost. Fingers crossed. Thank you. Best regards, Samantha Lubbock 0120
Tree Jargon Explained
Half Standard: Around 80-100cm clear stem.
Standard: Around 180-200cm clear stem.
Feathered: Branches for most of the trunk/stem length.
Multi-Stem/Bush: Very little or no clear stem. Multiple branching starting low to the ground.
Rootball: Dug from the field with roots intact i.e. no pot.
Pot: Plastic container that the tree was grown in.
Maiden: 1 year tree that has not been pruned.
Pleached: Foliage a square/rectangle flat shape wired to a bamboo frame with some clear stem.
Screen: Same as pleached but much less/no clear stem.
Multiple Order Discount
Orders over £750 for 150cm+ trees might be discounted by ​​​​​​​contacting us
Ornamental Tree Roots In The Shade e.g. Behind A Fence
It is more important that that foliage (posh term for leaves) receives the sunlight than the roots. So if the canopy of your ornamental tree can sunbathe but the bottom of your tree thinks there has been a nuclear winter then that is ok. You might want to ensure you have good drainage as water and no sun is the start of algae and other such issues.
Early Autumn Leaf Fall
Heat stress, being potted, lack of water, being boxed up for a few days etc can cause early Autumn leaf fall. Once planted, normal service will resume next season.
Do I Need To Stake My Ornamental Tree?
9 out of 10 times the answer will be no, especially if under 200cm tall. However our article on Tree Staking should help guide you.
Climate Change
Climate Change has increased aesthetic foliage issues such as Powdery Mildew, Shothole, Rust, frost damage etc These are not terminal issues and will usually last a season or less. All trees are inspected before being sent out to ensure they are fundamentally healthy and will bounce back.
Planting In The Corner Of A Garden
Air and light is reduced in this location which could promote fungus and bacterial issues. If the corner is of the house and a fence then you also have leeching issues to contend with from cement and wood preservatives. Also when it rains, that area would experience higher water levels so we advise against it unless the plant is very hardy.
Mature Tree Warranty
Once a tree is over 3 years old, the failure rate is considerably less and our Tree Warranty does not cover it at 100%. Please check details.
