How to Gather Seeds from Trees

It’s that time of year when the leaves start falling from the trees and the seeds too. To get good disease-free trees for planting Battle for Trees is creating a seed nursery. So this is a good time to collect the much needed seeds. Below is an outline for collecting the seeds we need:

Collecting seeds from British trees is a great way to help grow local reliable trees and contribute to Battle for Trees conservation projects. We’re looking to plant hazelnuts, oaks, maples, ash, birch, pines, birches and any other native trees you find and want to bring on to saplings. This simple guide will walk you through the steps of gathering seeds.

1. Choose the Right Time to Collect Seeds

The best time to collect seeds depends on the type of tree, but here in Battle, late summer and autumn are usually ideal. Here's when to look for seeds on some common British trees:

Oaks (Acorns): Late September to early October.
Hazel Nuts: September to October
Maples (Samaras or 'Helicopters'): September.
Ash (Keys): October to November.
Birch (Tiny Winged Seeds): Autumn, usually late August through September.
Pines (Cones): Collect cones in late autumn or winter, once they've matured but haven't opened.

2. Identify and Locate Your Tree

Here’s a quick rundown of some common British trees and their seeds:

Oak: Look for acorns, which are oval, green or brown, and have a cap at one end.
Hazel Nuts: round brown nut but you have to be quick before the squirrels get them all.]
Maple: Maple trees produce helicopter-like seeds called samaras.
Ash: Look for clusters of winged seeds called keys, which hang from the branches.
Birch: Birch trees have small, light, winged seeds that blow in the wind.
Pine: Pine seeds are hidden inside cones, which fall to the ground in autumn.

3. Gather the Seeds

When gathering seeds, make sure they are fully matured. Here’s how to gather seeds from common British trees:

Acorns (Oak): Pick acorns directly from the ground after they’ve fallen, but make sure they are firm and have turned brown. Discard any acorns with holes or damage.
Hazel Nuts: Collect as soon as they fall from the tree whether green or brown. Discard any damage nuts.
Maple Samaras: Look for winged seeds that have turned brown or yellow. They often fall naturally, and you can gather them from the ground.
Ash Keys: Wait until the seeds are fully formed and dry. Collect them from the tree or pick them up from the ground.
Birch Seeds: Gently shake the branches, and tiny winged seeds will fall. You can also collect them from the ground.
Pinecones: Look for mature cones that have started to open slightly. Collect them and allow them to dry indoors so they fully open and release the seeds.

4. Clean and Dry the Seeds

Once you've collected the seeds, it’s important to clean and dry them properly:

Clean Off Any Debris: Remove any twigs, leaves, or excess plant material.

Dry the Seeds: Spread them out on a tray or paper towel in a cool, dry place. Let them dry for a week or more until they feel hard and brittle.

5. Store the Seeds

Proper storage ensures the seeds remain viable until you're ready to plant them:

Label Your Seeds: Always label the seeds with the tree type and the date you collected them.

Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Keep seeds in paper envelopes or small containers. You can store them in a cool shed or even in the fridge to keep them fresh for longer.

Check for Viability: Some seeds, like acorns and chestnuts, can be tested by floating them in water. If they sink, they are likely good. If they float, they might be empty.

Final Tips

Be Sustainable: Only collect a few seeds from each tree to ensure wildlife still has plenty of food and the trees can naturally reproduce. Also don't forget to take gloves with you and a paper bag or two.