In principle, the horse chestnut is a fairly robust tree, but some diseases and/or pests can make it very difficult. Brown leaves in summer are not a good sign, unfortunately not a rare sight in recent years.

The horse chestnut leaf miner leaves ugly stains on the leaves

What is particularly difficult for the horse chestnut?

Chestnut diseases that are particularly feared include chestnut blight and the horse chestnut leaf miner. The chestnut bark can kill the whole tree, which does not actually happen with an infestation of the horse chestnut leaf miner. Other possible diseases are the ink disease or the so-called bleeding chestnut as well as an infestation with the chestnut borer or the chestnut moth.

The main diseases and pests:

  • chestnut blight
  • ink sickness
  • Pseudomonas (bleeding chestnut)
  • chestnut moth
  • chestnut borer
  • chestnut leaf miner

Can I still save a sick chestnut?

You can use chemical agents or a special trap to combat pest infestation. Find out in specialist shops. Collect infested fruits and/or fruit husks immediately. They should not simply be thrown in the compost, but disposed of properly, for example by burning. This will prevent the larvae from surviving the winter and infesting your chestnuts again next year.

In the case of a fungal infection, only a generous pruning of the affected parts of the plant helps. Ink sickness, Pseudomonas (bleeding chestnut) and chestnut blight fall into this category. Be sure to cut into the healthy wood. If fungal pathogens remain on the tree, your chestnut will continue to get sick. In the long run, their chances of survival decrease, while the risk of infecting nearby chestnuts increases.

How can I protect my horse chestnut?

The best way to protect your horse chestnut is to give it the best possible location. It should be sunny with plenty of room for the mature tree. If the soil is too wet, this favors ink sickness, for example.

So plant your chestnut in a dry to slightly moist soil. A soil analysis shows you whether the mineral content is optimal for your chestnut. You can compensate for a lack of potassium or phosphorus with the right fertilizer.

tips

Check your horse chestnut regularly for pest infestation or possible diseases. So you can react promptly and maybe save your chestnut.

Category:

Trees