Chestnut Seedling Tree UMCA® PQK (6′-8’+) – Farm Pickup Only

What is this UMCA® PQK chestnut seedling?

The University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry developed the UMCA® PQK chestnut seedling as a standout hybrid (Center for Agroforestry PQK infosheet). Breeders selected it for productivity, adaptability, and resilience. So it represents where U.S. chestnut orchards are headed. This 6’–8’+ tree is ready to take root on your farm today.

This size skips the wait that comes with smaller stock. Because the tree is already well established, you get a strong head start toward orchard maturity and nut production.

Why growers choose this 6’–8’+ PQK seedling

• Available in this size: this 6’–8’+ tree is our largest PQK size class, offered for farm pickup only. Smaller, shippable sizes are also available. Have a special request? Just give us a call at 678.234.4894.

• Every order includes a free Tree Planting Guide download from the United Chestnuts Academy.

• Hybrid advantage: diverse parentage gives it vigorous growth and strong resilience.

• Early bearing potential: PQK seedlings often produce nuts sooner than many other varieties.

• Adaptable performer: it thrives across a wide range of soils and climates.

• Orchard ready: its tall size and dense root system mean less waiting and more growing.

• Pick up in person and hand-select your tree, with no shipping stress on the root system.

Seedling grade and size

We grow each UMCA® PQK seedling in fabric grow bags at EBB Farms in Western Kentucky. Every tree in this listing stands 6 to 8 feet tall or taller. When a root reaches the breathable bag wall, it air-prunes. This natural process stops the root tip and signals the plant to send out new lateral roots behind it.

Instead of one root circling endlessly, like it would in a solid plastic pot, you get dozens of fine, branching feeder roots throughout the container. As a result, the tree transitions smoothly from nursery to field and establishes quickly.

Planting ideas for your PQK seedling

• Anchor a new orchard block with mature-sized stock instead of starting small.

• Fill a gap in an existing planting where you want an established look right away.

• Add a strong pollination partner near existing chestnut trees.

• Start a silvopasture or alley-cropping row with a head start on canopy height.

Basic planting and care

For best results:

• Choose a well-drained, full-sun site and avoid low frost pockets when possible.

• Space trees generously for future canopy size, airflow, and equipment access.

• Control grass and weeds around the tree during establishment.

• Protect the seedling from deer and rodent damage with tubes, cages, or fencing as needed.

Chestnut trees are not self-fertile. So plan on at least two compatible varieties within pollination range. In addition, this tree’s larger size means it can start pollinating nearby trees sooner than smaller stock.

Backed by the EBB Farms learning hub

EBB Farms is the farm lab for United Chestnuts, the learning and development hub for the chestnut community. So every order comes with more than a tree. Each purchase includes straightforward planting guidance.

You can also plug into the wider United Chestnuts platform for videos, guides, and real grower examples. For instance, visit unitedchestnuts.com/ebb-farms to see how other growers are using PQK on their farms. Or, for real-world grower stories and strategies, follow the Branching Out: Growing Together podcast.

Best-fit for

• Growers who want mature-sized stock now instead of waiting on smaller trees

• Local pickup customers within driving distance of EBB Farms in Western Kentucky

• Orchard, silvopasture, and alley-cropping starts that need an established pollination partner

• Growers filling a gap in an existing block who want an already-tall tree

Key details

• Type: UMCA® PQK chestnut seedling, single tree, 6’–8’+ size class

• Source: Pollen-isolated orchard of Peach, Qing, and Kohr grafted varieties, University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry

• Size at pickup: 6 to 8 feet tall or taller

• Format: Grown in fabric grow bags at EBB Farms; air-pruned root system, not shipped

• Price: $50/tree

• Special-quantity requests: Call 678.234.4894.

• Uses: Orchard blocks, silvopasture, alley cropping, pollination partner for existing plantings

Pollination and care

Chestnut trees are not self-fertile. You will need at least two compatible chestnut trees planted within the same area so they can cross-pollinate and set a reliable nut crop. Like all chestnuts, this tree performs best in full sun and well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Keep weed pressure down in the early years, and protect the tree from deer, rodents, and equipment.

Shipping and handling

This 6’–8’+ size ships heavy, so this tree is available for farm pickup at EBB Farms only. Email [email protected] or call 678.234.4894 to schedule your pickup.

What’s included

• One UMCA® PQK chestnut seedling, 6’–8’+ tall, ready for pickup

• A free Tree Planting Guide download from the United Chestnuts Academy

• Straightforward planting guidance included with every order

• Access to United Chestnuts grower resources and community support