There is something powerful about growing a tree from seed.
There is something important about digging in the dirt and planting something that will grow for hundreds of years. Something that will outlive us.
While we love all trees, chestnut trees have become our passion. The trees are not only beautiful and long-lasting, but they are also hearty producers of healthy, beautiful nuts.
We believe chestnut trees are good for the land, for our health and for our families.
Chestnuts are healthy for people and adored by wildlife.
If you are interested in chestnuts – for growing or eating – you’ve come to the right place.
We’ve always been tree huggers. Now, we are also tree growers.
When we moved to 17 acres of rolling hills in rural Illinois, we were looking for a better life for our family. A life with less noise, more space and more peace.
We found it.
And we also discovered chestnuts along the way.
We wanted a way to create a long-lasting legacy for this small property. A way to better the land and provide for our family. We began researching options – and we became smitten with growing chestnuts.
Oh … did we mention we knew nothing about chestnuts?
Over the past few years, we’ve immersed ourselves in the (bigger than you’d believe) world of chestnuts. We’ve read articles and dug into data and watched videos and talked to chestnut growers and attended meetings and conferences and tours.
And we’ve also been experimenting, growing and learning on our own.
Today, our property is home to about 100 chestnut trees and hundreds of seedlings. The first handful of chestnuts were spotted on the branches during the third year of growth. Within the next few years, we expect to have hundreds of trees and begin marketing and selling the nuts.
So why are we here?
We want to share what we’ve learned about chestnuts. Because we think they are the bomb – and we think you will, too.
We hope you’ll find something special here:
- If you love chestnuts and are looking for cooking and preparation tips.
- If you are interested in growing chestnuts of your own.
- If you just wonder what all the chestnut fuss is about.
And we’ll also be sharing the ups and downs of starting a new growing operation.
If you would have told us five years ago that we’d be living on 17 acres and growing hundreds of chestnut trees … well, we wouldn’t have believed you.
But we wouldn’t have it any other way.
(If you have any questions or want to get in touch, reach out at kim@woodwardchestnuts.com.)