Aesculus turbinata, commonly known as the Japanese Horse Chestnut, is a large deciduous tree admired for its bold, architectural foliage. Its enormous, dark green, palmate leaves can reach up to 60 cm across, providing a lush, tropical appearance. In late spring to early summer, tall spikes of creamy white flowers with subtle yellow markings rise above the foliage, followed by smooth, brown conkers encased in spiny husks.
This impressive tree is ideal for parklands, large gardens, or as a striking specimen tree in expansive landscapes. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers deep, fertile, and moist but well-drained soils. Allow generous spacing of at least 8–10 metres to accommodate its wide-spreading canopy.
Mature size: Grows up to 20–25 metres in height and 15–20 metres in width, forming a broad, rounded crown.
Trimming: Prune Aesculus (horse chestnut) trees during late winter or early spring to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Avoid heavy pruning, as this may stress the tree and encourage disease.
Fertilising: Apply a slow-release, balanced fertiliser in early spring to support healthy growth. Avoid over-fertilising, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
Watering: Provide deep watering during prolonged dry spells, particularly for young trees or newly planted specimens. Established trees typically require minimal watering.
Pest Control: Watch for pests like leaf miners and aphids. Leaf miner damage appears as brown or translucent blotches; control severe infestations with appropriate insecticides.
Disease Management: Monitor for signs of leaf blotch (brown patches) and bleeding canker (dark, oozing lesions on the bark). Remove and dispose of infected leaves promptly to reduce spread, and consult an arborist for severe cases of canker.
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