Pumpkin Center, Kern County, California. This article is about the unincorporated community in Kern County. For the unincorporated community in Lassen County, see Pumpkin Center, Lassen County, California.
Harvesting Chestnut Trees. After the chestnuts fall from the tree, watch for the spiny burs to split. Donât harvest chestnuts if the burs are still green and closed because the nuts inside will be unripe. Harvest the nuts every couple of days.
Spread a tarp or blanket under the chestnut tree when the nuts begin to drop from it in early fall. Cover the ground beneath the entire canopy to collect as many nuts as possible over the two- to four-week harvest window.