New genetically engineered American chestnut will help restore the decimated, iconic tree

[greatlaurel]

5. I have planted five American Chestnut trees so far. Three have survived.

The deer go crazy eating the leaves, so it has been hard to get them established. I have been buying my seedlings from the local soil and water conservation district when they do their annual tree sale.

The loss of chestnuts from the eastern forests had an incredible impact on the people of the Appalachian region and on the wildlife and plant diversity, as well as a devastating on the soil quality of the forests. Chestnut leaves were much higher in a lot of important nutrients. There were 3.5 billion chestnut trees before the blight hit.

Thanks for the post!