Pecan Planting Guide Tips On Growing And Caring For Pecan Trees

Pecan Planting Guide: Location and Preparation Plant the tree in a location with soil that drains freely to a depth of 5 feet (1.5 m.). Growing pecan trees have a long taproot that is susceptible to disease if the soil is soggy. Hilltops are ideal. Space the trees 60 to 80 feet (18.5-24.5 m.)

When's the best time to plant a pecan tree?

November through February is the best time to plant pecan trees. But before you decide to add a pecan tree to your landscape, there are some things to consider. Pecan trees grow to be quite large – 60 feet tall with a spread of 40 feet – so make sure your site is large enough.

Do I need to plant 2 pecan trees?

Pecans have both male and female flowers, but they do not bloom at the same time. This basically means that a single pecan tree cannot pollinate itself, and will not produce nuts. To get around this problem, you have to plant at least 2 trees and they cannot be the same “type”.

What kind of soil does a pecan tree need?

Soils for planting pecan trees may be red, brown, or gray in color, but it is necessary they contain sand or sandy-loam and that the subsoil be of clay or semi-clay structure. It is most important that the soil should have good water holding capacity. For proper root penetration, it should be several feet deep.

How do you care for pecan trees?

Caring for pecan trees is all about three main things: water, fertilizer, and pest control. Water is the most significant factor when it comes to nut quality. The first two weeks of September is the most critical time for watering your trees.

What is the best fertilizer for pecan trees?

If you are growing an orchard of pecan trees, and looking to make a profit, you'll probably want to use a fertilizer containing ammonium sulphate, which is typically accepted as the suitable fertilizer by most pecan tree farmers. Ammonium sulfate can be bought in bulk form, or in bags.

Where is the best place to plant a pecan tree?

Pecan Planting Guide: Location and Preparation

Plant the tree in a location with soil that drains freely to a depth of 5 feet (1.5 m.). Growing pecan trees have a long taproot that is susceptible to disease if the soil is soggy. Hilltops are ideal.

What is the fastest growing pecan tree?

The Pawnee Pecan (Carya illinoinensis 'Pawnee') has recently become one of the more popular pecan producing trees around. It tends to produce nuts much more rapidly than other species of pecan trees do.

How long does it take for a pecan tree to bear fruit?

A grafted pecan tree 4 to 6 feet tall planted in a good site and properly maintained will generally begin production in 6 to 7 years. The more precocious varieties may sometimes start production in 4 to 5 years. The less precocious varieties may take 8 to 10 years to bear.

Do pecan trees have deep roots?

Pecan trees grow from a deep taproot anchoring the large nut-producing tree. The pecan tree, like its relatives in the walnut family of large deciduous trees, develops a strong taproot that grows deep into the ground, anchoring the large tree and protecting it from drought on the surface.

Can you over water pecan trees?

Pecan trees must be watered at least every two weeks; a three week drought is the maximum trees can endure without being damaged. Any stress received by pecan trees during this late stage of development can result in major fruit drop.

What are the best pecan trees?

Choctaw is a good yard tree because of its beautiful foliage, scab resistance and high yields of large, high-quality pecans. Unfortunately, Choctaw requires the very best soil and management; otherwise, it will fail. Nuts/lb - 38; percent kernel - 59. Tejas is a good yard tree for west Texas.

Do Pecan trees need a pollinator?

Pecan trees are cross-pollinated (allogamous) and although self-pollination is possible, the result is largely unsuccessful. Pecan trees are wind-pollinated; therefore, pollinators (i.e., bees) are not required to complete pollination.

Are coffee grounds good for pecan trees?

Pecan trees also require full sun throughout the day, so they should not be planted in an area that experiences any shade. Sprinkle coffee grounds around the base of Holly Shrubs and Holly Trees for dense foliage growth and improved berry production.

Why are my pecan trees not producing?

Usually, there is no single reason why a pecan tree fails to produce a crop or produces poor quality nuts. ... Inadequate lime or fertilizer- Lack of lime, nitrogen fertilizer and zinc are common limiting factors in pecan production. Fertilize according to soil and leaf sample recommendations.

Can I grow a pecan tree from a pecan?

A viable pecan seed (the nut) is the product of cross pollination (sexual reproduction) between two pecan trees. ... Of course, you CAN grow a pecan tree from pecan nut. That's how commercial growers get their rootstocks, and it's also how new and different pecan varieties are discovered.

What do you spray on pecan trees?

Zinc Sulfate can be applied along with both fungicide and insecticide spray, which should be applied any time spraying is warranted. Zinc Sulfate will prevent rosetting in pecans along with keeping the leaves pretty and green. If they are not pretty and green, chances are the tree is lacking Zinc.

What kills webworms in pecan trees?

The safest and most effective method of what to do about webworms is as follows: Prune the tree in the spring and spray with a lime-sulfur and dormant oil spray. As buds begin to break, follow up your webworm treatment by spraying Sevin or Malathion and repeat in 10 days.

How much is a 5 gallon bucket of pecans worth?

Pecan grower Bucky Geer estimates a single 5-gallon bucketful is worth about $38.

How far should a pecan tree be planted from a house?

Pecan trees should be planted at least 20 feet (preferably more) away from homes, garages, driveways, etc.

How deep do you plant a pecan tree?

Bare-Root Trees — Bare-root pecan trees have long taproots and require a deep planting hole. In most situations, the hole should be at least three feet deep and 12 to 24 inches wide so that all side roots can be properly positioned as the hole is refilled.

How long does a pecan tree live?

Pecan tree fun facts:

Pecans reach maturity at about twelve years old and can live as long as 300 years! Non-grafted seedlings and native pecan trees often take 10 to 15 years to begin to produce fruit. Grafted varieties produce fruit in 5-10 years depending on variety.