| [College of ACES] | [University of Illinois] | [Illinois CES] |
The nuisance factor may be a worry, but child safety is paramount. I was eleven years of age when my good friend Stephen Bader asked me to join him to climb and gather "Conkers" on the way home from school. I declined and went home to tea. I never saw him alive again. Ironically some 15 years later whilst working for the Local Authority, I was instructed to climb the very same Horse Chestnut tree from which Stephen lost his life and once again I declined.
Importantly, the frustration of stick throwing for fruits often leads to a child's attempt at climbing and gathering.
Life v Nuisance NO CONTEST!
Schoolroom education by Arborists is the KEY!
As for eliminating the fruits of a mature tree and in doing so depleating that seasons reproductive capacity, then I haven't a clue!
Speak to you soon my friend.