Pecan trees can offer year upon year of nuts for baking or just plain nibbling. Like most trees in the landscape, pecan trees also need a little tlc to thrive. Learn the importance of proper care of your pecan tree in this article. Everything from planting your pecan tree to pruning will be discussed.
To grow a successful pecan tree you need to make sure you live in a zone that pecan trees will tolerate well. Although pecan trees will perform best in southern conditions, they will grow in zones six through eight. Find your hardiness zone by visiting this website:
http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ushzmap.html.
Be aware of what you’re getting into before planting a pecan tree. You’ll need a very large space in your landscape to accommodate and grow healthy pecan trees. The reason being that pecan trees can get as tall as 70 feet and as wide as six feet. I also hope that you’re prepared to have your pecan tree around for about 300 years, because that’s the usual life span of a pecan tree. Pecan trees usually begin producing pecans within five to eight years.
Soil Requirements for a Pecan Tree
The best soil for growing a pecan tree is loamy to sandy loam, while avoiding heavy clay soils. Your best bet for making sure your soil is appropriate for growing a pecan tree is to take a soil sample to your local cooperative extension service a few months prior to planting. They can tell you what amendments should be made, especially if your soil lacks essential nutrients.
Planting a Pecan Tree
The best place to plant your pecan tree is a level or sloping area with good water runoff. Plant the pecan tree in late fall or winter at least 30 feet from any other tree to allow adequate sunlight. Dig the hole twice as big as the root ball. Add enough loose soil into the hole until the top of the soil surrounding the trunk is up to ground level. Fill the hole with water to help the loose soil settle. Once that’s done, finish filling in the hole with soil. Tamp down the soil around the trunk of the pecan tree.
Fertilizing a Pecan Tree
Fertilize your pecan tree once a year with a 10-10-10 or a 17-17-17 fertilizer. Broadcast a few cups of this fertilizer away from the trunk in a circular fashion. Zinc is also helpful for growing a healthy pecan tree. Make sure you water the fertilizer into the ground immediately.
Mulching Requirements for a Pecan Tree
Adding wood chip mulch at least two feet around the base of the pecan tree will help to retain valuable moisture and encourage growth. Try to keep the grass cut around the pecan tree to discourage insects.
Watering and Sun Requirements
Pecan trees need full sun in the canopy of the tree to grow successfully. Water requirements for a pecan tree vary, depending on the time of year. Hot summer months will require more water than colder days. The estimate water usage per day for a pecan tree is about ¼ inch to ½ inch.
Pruning
Young pecan trees, around a year old, will need pruning to encourage strong limbs. Pruning a pecan tree should be done during winter months. After a few years of pruning, the pecan tree won’t need any more help from you. Start by snipping a year old tree at the top, just above a bud, to bring the tree to a height of four feet tall. Trim the side shoots back 1/3 just above a bud. Do the same pruning on a second year tree. On a third and fourth year tree, clip off lower branches if they are about an inch thick. Trim the other side shoots back about a third, just above a bud and trim the top of the tree back about a third.
With proper care of your pecan tree, it will be around for many generations to come.
