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If planting only one or two pecan trees, space at least 40-60 feet apart so they have adequate space to grow. If you are planning an orchard and will be thinning trees as they grow, you can plant as little as 20 feet apart.
Do I need to plant 2 pecan trees?
For pecan trees to bare nuts you will need two or more different cultivars, as they require cross pollination for maximum productivity. Pecan trees should be planted during the dormant season, from late November through February, to allow the roots to grow before spring.
How long does it take for a pecan tree to bear fruit?
Trees will begin producing a few nuts three to four years after planting. Significant production can be achieved in six to eight years. Good production will begin the ninth or tenth year. Trees can be productive for a 100 years or longer.
What is the spacing for pecan trees?
The spacing of pecan trees depends on geographical location. In their native and eastern ranges, pecan trees are commonly spaced on a 40 feet x 40 feet grid pattern, which is the equivalent of 27 trees per acre. After about 16.22 years, trees are thinned by half on a diagonal, thus leaving 14 trees per acre.
How close do pecan trees need to be to cross pollinate?
Research has shown that pecan trees need a pollinator within 150 feet. This is why we often recommend placing a pollinator at every 5th tree on every 5th row if you prefer planting a solid block of one cultivar.
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.
How can you tell if a pecan tree is male or female?
1. Pecan trees are monoecious. This means that they produce separate male and female flowers on the same plant. Male flowers are located on 4-5 inch long catkins, while female flowers are small, yellowish-green, and grow on spikes at the tips of shoots.
Will one pecan tree produce nuts?
Oftentimes, a single tree won’t produce very many nuts, since the female and male flowers don’t bloom at the same time. Pecans that shed pollen (from the male catkin) before the female flower is mature are ‘Type I’ pollinators.
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.
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.
How do you layout pecan orchard?
The orchard is initially planted at 30′ x 15′. When trees from alternate rows are removed, final tree spacing will be 30′ x 30′. More trees can be thinned out later when they begin to crowd. When every other tree in every row are removed, a 41.5′ x 41.5′ spacing results.
How do you manage pecan orchard?
One of the best management strategies for pecan orchards is the use of a vegetation-free zone down the pecan row with a grass alley between rows. The vegetation-free zone reduces water and nutrient competition for the trees, resulting in optimum vegetative growth and nut production.
Where is the largest pecan orchard?
Stahmann Farms owns the world’s largest pecan orchard, located south of the city of Las Cruces, New Mexico.
Why doesn’t my pecan tree produce pecans?
Alternate pecan production (on and off years) is mainly the result of inadequate fertilization. When trees set a large nut crop, there are not enough nutrients for both that year’s nuts to mature and for the tree to store enough plant food for adequate production in the following year.
How do you keep squirrels out of pecan trees?
Place moth balls containing naphthalene in mesh bags, and tie them in the branches of your pecan trees to keep squirrels away . Try using electronic repellents made for garden pests, but be sure to monitor the batteries frequently.
Where do pecan trees grow best?
Pecans grow best in warm, humid climates. In cool climate pecans may not produce nuts, and may suffer from coral spot.
How often should I water a newly planted pecan tree?
Your newly planted pecan tree will need adequate water to thrive. In the absence of sufficient rainfall, supply each tree with 10 to 15 gallons of water per week for the first two years (growing seasons). Avoid over watering. Constantly soggy or wet soil can lead to root rot and other plant diseases.
How long does it take for a pecan tree to grow from seed?
Although pecans planted from seed grow slowly during their first two to three years, they can easily reach heights of 70 feet or more at maturity, around 20 years of age. For best results, you’ll need to graft your seed-grown tree at the proper time, in addition to planting a second variety for cross-pollination.
Do you water pecan trees in the winter?
Remember, pecan as well as other trees need watering through the winter if insufficient rain falls, at least once a month with one to two inches of water. John Begnaud is a retired Tom Green County Extension agent for horticulture.
