To propagate a chestnut tree, the most common method is to plant seeds from mature nuts directly in the ground during spring, as this is the easiest way to grow new chestnut trees; however, you can also try propagating chestnut trees from cuttings, though this is more challenging and requires taking softwood cuttings in the early summer, dipping them in rooting hormone, and keeping them in a humid environment until roots develop. 

Key points about propagating chestnuts:

Seed propagation (most common): Collect healthy nuts from a mature tree. 

Store the nuts in a cool, dry place until spring.  Plant the nuts in well-draining soil in a sunny location.  Cover the nuts with a thin layer of soil.  Keep the soil moist until germination. 

Cuttings (more difficult): Take softwood cuttings from a young, healthy tree in early summer. 

Make the cuttings 4-6 inches long.  Remove the leaves from the bottom inch of the cutting.  Dip the cut end in rooting hormone.  Plant the cuttings in a moist, well-draining potting mix.  Cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a humid environment.  Place the pot in bright, indirect light.  Keep the soil consistently moist. 

Important considerations:

Blight resistance: If you are planting in an area affected by chestnut blight, choose blight-resistant chestnut varieties. 

Grafting: For specific cultivars, grafting onto a rootstock may be necessary. Location: Choose a planting site with well-drained soil and full sun.