Are they mature enough to make conkers? Good find!

They should be, my buckeyes push out flowers along with the first leaves at the same time but it takes a few days before the flowers extend past the leaves then that branch end stops growing. I think that if they are there on the Horse Chestnut, I should be able to see them when I check up on them in the next few days.

Went by the Horse Chestnuts for a look this spring, the plants on either side of the spruce and the one against it are doing good. The tallest is about 15', all have not been pruned and have way to many branches but may also be protecting the trunks of the trees. The trees on the ends of the row which are exposed have died back repeatedly. This whole yard is going to be a jungle in a few years. But some are doing well for now.

There are numerous large specimens in Lethbridge & area, all doing well. Appear to be hardy in the chinook zone of Southern AB anyways... will post some pics when I get a chance. Even know of one pink flowering horsechestnut in Lethbridge, 'Fort McNair' I believe...

Wayne where are these pics from?

Here's three big ones in Edmonton. There are lots more on their way to becoming this size. I think their hardiness is alot better than most people think but you need the correct source. The problem is, who knows which source is the best?

These are in Rocanville, SK., yes really hit and miss, Edmonton has a heat island effect that rural areas don't get. That said the tallest tree of the five is growing like a spire and is getting a good feel of winter. I had purchased one of the trees from this lot but it never survived.

I feel like one of its downsides is late shutdown for winter. I have rarely seen even the best ones turn color in time. Even the 100yr old downtown one in Edmonton seems to only start turning color at end of October. Thats if a bad frost doesn't take it down when the leaves are green. I feel like thats the biggest hoop to jump for any tree you plant. If its a smart tree, they will learn the next year. My Crimson Sunset maple was flowering in March last year and got burnt flowers from it, but this year has decided to bud out much later. It seems its learned. It came from Kelowna and so it was probably used to early leaf out.