Soil prep before planting seedling trees

-if you know of any previous threads, please let me know. Thanks.-

•PNW, gravely soil w little organics in it

I’m going to plant a dozen chestnuts in a hillside. How should I prepare the soil? I’ve heard some say to do no soil prep (loosening and adding garden top soil). I heard the soil prep can make the roots spoiled little brats that don’t want to grow beyond their safe space.

What do you think?

Yeah.... if you do any soil prep... spread it only on the surface and about 16 inches(40 CM) from the tree trunk.  Spread on the surface and cover that ammendment with rocks or mulch.

But normally... no.  You are right about what you heard.

Follow Howard Garrett's advice. Be sure you don't plant too deep.  expect it to sink a little ... so plant a little high.  Roots/rootflare should be at the surface level.

According to the Greek Reforestation experiment thread... chestnuts are pretty hardy.  So certainly wouldn't need ammendmants.  But he is planting from seeds.

Here's the thread referenced:
Reforestation in Greece with seeds..or something

And for your consideration on the complete other side of the spectrum . . .

permies.com/p/1065355

The Ellen White tree planting method.

Want to try an experiment? Plant 6 with one method, 6 with the other.

Keep us posted.

going from seed i'm in the 'minimally amended' camp. if you have squirrels or deer around, consider some level of protection. sprouting chestnuts are super sweet and give off pest-attraction rays.