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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 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.
How do you plant a pecan tree?
Planting The pecan tree has a long, strong tap-root system. The tap root has to be cut at a length of 1 m with a sharp spade. The tree should then be carefully removed from the soil and immediately taken to a shed or shady place. Inspect the trees carefully, and discard those with bent roots.
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 hard is it to grow a pecan tree?
Pecans require at least 3 feet of well-drained soil, so rocky areas with thin soil don’t work. These trees are best able to take up critical nutrients from soil that has a pH level of 6-7. Pecans must be cross-pollinated (usually by the wind) to reproduce well.
Does a pecan tree need a mate?
Pecan trees are cross-pollinated (allogamous) and although self-pollination is possible, the result is largely unsuccessful. Only one pollen grain is required to produce one pecan. One catkin can produce enough pollen to pollinate flowers to produce 50,000 pounds of average-sized pecans.
Does a pecan tree produce every year?
Many pecan tree cultivars are alternate bearing, which means that they produce heavy and light crops during alternate years or heavier crops once every two to three years. Plant hormones as well as environmental conditions contribute to the cycle of alternate bearing.
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.
Do pecan trees need full sun?
Plant pecan trees at least 30 feet apart and 20 feet or more from buildings or other structures. Select sites with full sun and deep soil with good drainage. Pecan trees require a lot of water, but standing pools will damage or even kill developing trees.
Can I grow pecans in my yard?
Pecan trees are native to the United States, where they thrive in southern locations with long growing seasons. However, growing pecan trees in small yards isn’t practical because the trees are large and there are no dwarf varieties. A mature pecan tree stands about 150 feet (45.5 m.) tall with a spreading canopy.
How cold can pecan trees tolerate?
As a general rule, pecan trees can grow in hardiness zones 7-9, with some varieties being able to stretch outside of this. Pecan trees don’t like to get too cold. An average of 45 to 55 degrees in the winter is ideal, but they can withstand temperatures down to 20 degrees below zero.
Are pecan trees good trees?
For many, growing pecan trees is quite the hobby, for not only do they produce a delicious snack, but their large size makes them excellent shade trees. If you love to garden and love to bake up some pecan pies on the weekend, growing a pecan tree might be the next project for you.
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.
How big is a 10 year old pecan tree?
The pecan tree is a large deciduous tree, growing to 20–40 m (66–131 ft) in height, rarely to 44 m (144 ft). It typically has a spread of 12–23 m (39–75 ft) with a trunk up to 2 m (6 ft 7 in) diameter. A 10-year-old sapling grown in optimal conditions will stand about 5 m (16 ft) tall.
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 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.
Do deer eat pecans?
Deer eat pecans, but not every time. They preferably eat pecans when their green shell is not in place. However, in order of preference, deer prefer acorns and peanuts to pecans. They will most likely eat them during the winter when there is little else available.
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.
