Pecan

What you'll need:

Deep, well-draining soil (pecans love rich, sandy loam soil)

Compost or organic matter to mix into the soil

Mulch (wood chips or bark work great)

• Pecan tree seedlings or grafted saplings (grafted ones are usually better for beginners as they bear fruit earlier)
• A spacious yard with plenty of room for a large tree

When to start:

Pecan trees are best planted in late winter to early spring when the ground isn't frozen but before the heat of summer. This gives the tree time to establish its roots before the growing season kicks in.

Choosing a spot:

Pecan trees get BIG! They can grow up to 70-100 feet tall and spread wide, so make sure you have enough space—ideally at least 30-50 feet between trees or structures. Choose a spot that gets full sunlight all day long. Also, avoid planting near driveways or power lines because pecan trees can live for decades and grow quite large.

Tip: Pecan trees can take a few years to start producing nuts, so patience is key!

If planting a sapling:

1. Dig a hole that’s about twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper than the root ball itself.
2. Gently remove the sapling from its container and loosen any tangled roots.
3. Place the tree in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
4. Backfill the hole with soil, mixing in some compost or organic matter as you go.
5. Tamp down the soil lightly around the base of the tree to remove air pockets.

Watering right after planting:

Give your new tree a good drink of water immediately after planting. The soil should be moist but not soggy. You’ll want to water deeply, making sure the water reaches the deeper roots.

Mulching:

Spread a layer of mulch (about 2-3 inches thick) around the base of the tree, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk. This helps retain moisture, keeps weeds down, and regulates soil temperature.

Tip: Avoid piling mulch directly against the trunk, as this can cause rot.

Watering:

• Young pecan trees need regular watering, especially during their first few years. Water deeply once a week if there hasn’t been much rain.
• As the tree matures, it will become more drought-tolerant, but it’s still important to water during dry spells.
• Check the soil regularly—if the top 2-3 inches feel dry, it’s time to water.

Fertilizing:

• Start fertilizing your pecan tree in early spring when growth begins.
• Use a balanced fertilizer (something like a 10-10-10 NPK ratio works fine) or one specifically formulated for nut trees.
• Sprinkle the fertilizer evenly around the drip line of the tree (the area under the outermost branches) and water it in.
• Repeat every 6-8 weeks during the growing season (spring through early fall).

Pruning:

• Prune your pecan tree during late winter when it's dormant to shape it and remove any dead or damaged branches.
• Focus on removing crossing branches and thinning out crowded areas to allow sunlight to reach all parts of the tree.
• Don’t over-prune; pecans naturally grow into a beautiful shape without too much intervention.

Pollination Tip:

Pecan trees are wind-pollinated, but they often require a different variety nearby for cross-pollination to produce nuts. If you’re planting multiple trees, choose two varieties that bloom at similar times to ensure good nut production.

When to harvest:

• Pecan trees typically start producing nuts after 5-7 years, though grafted trees may start sooner (around 3-4 years).
• Harvest season is usually in late fall, from October to December, depending on where you live.
• The nuts are ready to harvest when the green outer husks split open and the pecans fall to the ground.

How to harvest:

• Collect fallen pecans from the ground daily to prevent pests or mold from affecting them.
• Use a nut picker or just pick them up by hand if you don’t mind bending over.
• Remove any remaining husks by hand or let them dry out until the husk falls off easily.

Curing and storing:

• Once harvested, spread the pecans out in a single layer in a cool, dry place to cure for about 2 weeks. This improves their flavor and texture.
• After curing, store them in a cool, dry location in breathable bags or containers.
• Shelled pecans can be stored in the fridge or freezer for longer shelf life.

Tip: Squirrels and other critters love pecans too, so keep an eye out for them stealing your harvest!

Q: My pecan tree isn’t producing nuts yet. What’s wrong?

A: It’s probably still too young. Pecan trees take several years to mature before they start bearing nuts. Be patient—it’s worth the wait!

Q: Why do some pecan trees need another tree for pollination?

A: Pecan trees are either Type I or Type II based on when they release or receive pollen. Planting two different types ensures proper cross-pollination, which boosts nut production.

Q: Can I plant a pecan tree in a small yard?

A: Not really. Pecan trees get very large, so unless you have a big yard, it might overwhelm the space. There are some smaller varieties, but even those need significant room.

Q: How do I deal with pests like squirrels or bugs?

A: For squirrels, try using netting or noise deterrents. For insects like aphids or pecan weevils, use insecticidal soap or neem oil sprays. Regular inspections help catch issues early.

Q: Do pecan trees lose their leaves in winter?

A: Yes, pecan trees are deciduous, meaning they shed their leaves in the fall and remain bare through winter. This is normal!