Are conkers of diseased horse chestnut trees ok?

Question

Tree surgeon has suggested our horse chestnut tree is diseased and should come down. Lots of dark brown and black blotches all over the trunk(s). The conkers seem to grow rather well into sprouting trees though – are they unaffected by the disease so we can plant them, or should we dispose of them too? Thanks.

Answer 1

No, they are very infected as well. They will possibly not even show symptoms until well into maturity. It will be best to remove the tree, and proceed with the tree surgeon’s recommended treatment.