how to plant pecan trees

Sow the seeds 3-4” deep. To fulfill this requirement, use zinc sulfate. Bass Pecan will be with you every step of the way, beginning with the information presented here. This article puts me on a path of success. To plant a pecan tree, dig a hole at least two feet wide and two and a half feet deep. 30 trees. Cover the root area with mulch to protect in colder weather and to retain moisture. TRANSPLANTING PECAN TREES : This is the accumulation of knowledge about transplanting pecan trees I have gained in 40 tears on my 15 acres in Oklahoma, USA. If you plant on planting more than one pecan tree, make sure to space them about 60-80 feet apart. Every day at wikiHow, we work hard to give you access to instructions and information that will help you live a better life, whether it's keeping you safer, healthier, or improving your well-being. What can be done for pecan trees that do not produce nuts? Pecan trees can take 20 – 25 years to reach full maturity. Start getting 5 gallon buckets for watering the trees. Keep in mind that part or all of the water supply can come from rainfall. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. Your support helps wikiHow to create more in-depth illustrated articles and videos and to share our trusted brand of instructional content with millions of people all over the world. Download Planting Guide [pdf] Pecan Planting Guide Excerpt. Ideally, the tree will go into the ground in the fall or winter. Once a tree is established, it needs little assistance to grow and produce; but you’ll want to make sure you give your tree the best foundation possible. The taproot should extend straight down to the center of the hole. He has a Masters in Public Health Nutrition and Public Health Planning and Administration from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. For tips from our Gardening reviewer on how to train your tree to a central leader system, read on. Should I prune it back this Winter or now, so that the growth won't waste all that energy on the limbs I cut off and paint? Because they are large, wide growing trees, it is important to plant them at least 30 to 40 feet away from power lines, homes and other buildings. A line of demarcation normally indicates that part of the the tree which was underground. Carefully straighten it out and lower it into the hole. The root system of a pecan tree can extend for many feet underground, so you want to make sure that there aren’t any pipes or additional plants competing for the same space. Andrew Carberry has been working in food systems since 2008. Each of these methods offers advantages and disadvantages. How long does it take pecan trees to mature? Add native soil mixed with water back into the planting hole. https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/growing-pecans-in-north-carolina, http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_h/H605/welcome.html, http://www.texaspecantrees.com/Homeowners_guide_to_planting_pecan_trees.html, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Make sure the taproot is straightened if it’s a potted tree. Out of all the things that are involved in establishing an orchard, planting the pecan tree is my favorite. Don't pack the soil tightly; just fill up the hole until it's level with the ground. If the tree is grafted pecan, it fruit within 4-6 years. Congrats on your new home and good luck with your trees. Pecan trees will establish more easily when planted while dormant. ", "Gave me info on when to prune and how to feed.". Test the soil by digging a hole 8 inches (20.3 centimeters) wide and 32 inches (81.3 centimeters) deep. How Often Do You Water Poinsettias? Prospective pecan growers should choose the method suited to their skills and economic situation. Choose a space to plant your pecan tree. Position the tree in the hole so that the soil line on the tree is even with the surrounding soil, then adjust the depth of the hole, if necessary. Pecan seeds, or nuts, need months of cold weather to germinate. Short answer: About 10 years. Soil that drains well to at least three feet deep is best. The tree will begin producing nuts after four to eight years, and needs plenty of water to produce hearty nuts. Pecan trees need full sun and well-drained soil. Keep reading to find out more about how to grow pecan trees, care for them, and enjoy their amazing harvest! Whether you're looking for a tall shade tree that will grow to over 100 feet (30.5 m) or a tree that produces reliably plump and flavorful nuts, there's bound to be a variety that meets your needs. Put next to tree and fill with water. If you plant on planting more than one pecan tree, make sure to space them about 60-80 feet apart. Know that you have the option of waiting until the nuts fall to the ground, such as after a windy night. The tree has a long, strong tap root system. Also look at one of those 150 gallon totes. ", they weren't as informative as yours. PLANTING: Pecan trees need well-drained soil. My dad planted several hardy Wisconsin pecan trees from seed nearly 35 years ago. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. If you don't have a big garden, we don't recommend you grow pecan trees because they can reach up to 150 feet in height, and there are no dwarf varieties. Plant pecan trees in a hole about three feet deep and 2 feet wide. Fertilize the soil with 10-10-10 before planting. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Hilltops are ideal for pecan trees as they require deep, well drained soil and are easily susceptible to root rot. To keep the pecans even longer, store them in your freezer. After the tree has matured, watering is essential during the nut filling stage at the end of summer. Pecan trees require a lot of water, but standing pools will damage or even kill developing trees. While your young pecan tree is growing, water it frequently, about once a week. "Already have two pecan trees planted last year, but wanted to learn more. Additionally, paint the trunk up to the first set of branches with a white latex paint to insulate it from sun damage. A bare-root is cheaper but more fragile, and must be planted between December and March. Plant your pecan tree in well drained soil in a sunny location. It should take about two weeks for the pecans to thoroughly dry. I wrongly concluded the tree was lazy, or that the, "I recently purchased a property with 16 pecan trees. If you do start with pots, use deep, two-gallon nursery pots, since the root can grow as much as a foot downward before the top even emerges from the soil. You can also diagnose water problems if the husk is still stuck to the nut. I did not have a clue how to care for them and maximize their, "I appreciated the extensive amount of information given on pecan trees, I had looked on several other sites, but, "The article is good and helps new farmers with what type of fertilizer should be used on pecan. Their buttery nuts are baked into pies and other sweet desserts, and the wood can be used to make furniture or flooring. Select sites with full sun and deep soil with good drainage. Pecan trees need to be planted somewhere with deep, rich soil, good drainage and plenty of room to grow. You’ll want to choose a planting site carefully to accommodate the size of the tree. Plant pecan trees within 200 feet of one another for adequate pollination. Sometimes, they can be as tall as 144 feet. You drill a 1/4" hole at the side bottom. Squirrels, storms and mother nature have centuries of practice growing pecans successfully from seed, but you might need to a little help to do as well! Use ammonium nitrate to spur growth when necessary. Plant C. illinoinensis at least 30 feet from any structures, more depending on the cultivar, and in a spot that gets lots of sun. ", "The specific steps are what I was looking for. Very beautiful! When you first acquire a pecan tree, whether it’s a young or mature tree, you’ll need to make sure it is planted in a location where it can thrive. Although self-pollination in candy pecan is possible, but it is preferred that at least two or three trees are planted nearby for maximum nut production. Do not plant it too deep in the ground. Enjoy the naturally nutritious, healthy source of omega-3 fatty acids, luscious-essential oils, muscle building proteins plus a smattering of vitamins and minerals. Take the seeds out after the three months and plant each 3 inches deep in a mound of dirt. ", "Interesting for a novice. Very much like the way in this, "Learning how long it takes for the tree to grow nuts helped. If the hole isn't deep enough, the taproot will not grow properly. This explains a lot. Fill the hole back up with soil and don't add any fertilizer or amendments. How to Plant a Pecan Tree Plant pecan trees in a hole about 3 feet (1 m.) deep and 2 feet (0.5 m.) wide. Once the water has drained, fill the hole back up with the rest of the soil. Press the soil down, and water thoroughly. Gather pecans in late autumn after the hulls dry out and turn a dark brown color. This article has been viewed 264,581 times. For tips from our Gardening reviewer on how to train your tree to a central leader system, read on. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. ", crop. Firm soil around roots, then water thoroughly. Due to their large size, they can grow to 150 feet tall at maturity, you will need to space the trees at least 35 feet apart. Pecan trees like rich soil, so dig out some soil and mix with some potting soil and compost before planting the nut in it. Watering your tree(s) will ensure that they don't die. If you purchase a product via those links through Amazon, Amazon will pay us a referral fee, at no extra cost to you. Rig a 12V pump. Yes. Do not thrash your tree limbs with long, stiff poles, or by throwing heavy sticks or such, which will damage next year's new growth and crop. In a dry area, up to 350 gallons (1,324.9 L) of water per day is needed to ensure the nuts don’t end up small and mealy. Add enough water so there are no air pockets left around the roots after dirt is replaced around the roots. Plant trees 30 to 35 feet apart. Pick a spot that has full sun and keep the soil damp. After two years a seedling should be around four to five feet (1.5 m.) tall and ready for grafting. Squirrels will get them while still up in the tree, so just pick them up pretty early each day to beat local squirrels to them. Long answer: Depending on the variety, soil, climate, and care conditions, pecan trees can start producing seeds at 7-13 years. How many years will it take them to produce nuts? If you want to make sure your pecan tree produces an excellent crop, you might consider spraying with zinc fertilizer to help nut meat to fill-in. Very helpful. How do I prevent mosquitoes from gathering near my pecan tree? Adjust the depth of the hole, if necessary. For healthy pecan production, use a pound of zinc sulfate each year for young trees and three pound of zinc sulfate for pecan bearing mature trees. Amid the current public health and economic crises, when the world is shifting dramatically and we are all learning and adapting to changes in daily life, people need wikiHow more than ever. Use a potting mix of half loam and half sand. You can grow a pecan tree directly from seed, but we recommend you purchase an already grown, small tree from your local nursery. Finally, lay down pine straw mulch around the base of the tree to protect the root system from frost and weeds. Don't attempt to plant it in a shallow hole. While some of the info was known, I learned much. I am looking to plant pecan trees on 2 acres of land. When to Harvest Lettuce & How to Do it Correctly, Winter Flowers: 17 Flowers That Bloom in the Winter, A Guide to Buying Real Christmas Trees: Top 10 Trees, 20 Winter Indoor Plants to Bring Into Your Home. The best way to ensure your pecan tree grows big enough to not only survive but produce fruit is to use the best practices for planting it. Plant your pecan tree in well drained soil in a sunny location. It's great, just simple, love it! In the spring after the tree was planted (after the first year), you may fertilize over a 25 square foot area. Begin filling the hole … Growing a pecan tree starts with planting a bare-root or pot-grown tree in a spot well away from buildings and other obstacles. Then carefully remove the young trees from the soil in the nursery bags and put them in a shed or shady place. If trees are crowded, the faster growing tree will over-shadow the slower tree, stunt it, and kill it eventually, hampering both trees' crops. Check the water level periodically. Likely a water problem. Different pecan tree varieties grow to varying sizes and produce distinct nuts. Begin filling the hole with soil, arranging the roots in a natural position as you go. When establishing an orchard, do so in July and August. Position the tree in the hole so that the soil line on the tree is even with the surrounding soil. Step 2 Transplant the pecan trees in the winter, usually between December and March for bare rooted trees. Soak new pecan tree roots with water before planting. By using our site, you agree to our. ", "It helps me to learn about taking care of the pecan tree I have in my yard, thanks! Unfortunately, if you ignore these rules, the tree is … Trim each tap root to a length of 1m with a sharp spade. If the holes are too deep, the pecan trees will settle, which could result in root rot or damage, poor growth, and the pecan trees could prematurely die. Plant at slightly higher elevation (but lower latitude). Without p… Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 264,581 times. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Do this only after you notice that the nuts aren't filled with meat in previous years. In an orchard, plant the trees at least 60 feet (18.3 m) apart. ", squirrels ate the seeds from the pods that were not fully grown. Planting spacing Generally, pecan nut trees are planted according to the following space indices: 10m x 5 m, which equals 200 trees/ha; 8m x 5 m, which equals 250 trees/ha; 6m x 6 m, which equals 277 trees/ ha. Filling it with water ensures that the tree gets the moisture it needs, while also preventing air pockets from forming. To dry them, spread your pecans indoors on a dry floor or on screens that have been set high off the ground under a shelter, safe from precipitation and ground moisture. You don't have to water them often, just once or twice a month. Next, fill the hole 3/4 full of water before filling in the rest with soil. Avoid planting in very dry or light soil, unless you plan to irrigate, since pecans need a lot of water. A special long-headed shovel is the best tool for the job if you're planting just a few trees. Pecans prefer the fertile, well-drained soils of their native habitat. How often should I water a pecan tree during the winter? When is the proper time of year to prune the pecan trees? Pour 7 gallons (26.5 liters) of water into the hole. Pecan trees don't require a lot of care once planted, but they do need a lot of space. Thanks. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Choose a location with well-drained soil, making sure the soil is moist [source: TAMU ]. Dig a planting hole deep enough to accommodate the long taproot; position the bud union above soil level. For planting pecan trees in orchard, a suitable distance is 40 – 50 feet. Approved. I have a very small "twig" of a pecan tree with the pecan still holding the base. Planting. Plant to a depth of 5 feet. They tend to curl up in the pot. If you DO have a big yard and live in the Southern states, you should definitely plant a pecan tree as just one tree can feed a large family. Plant pecan trees at least 30 feet apart and 20 feet or more from buildings or other structures. When planting a pecan tree, choose the planting site carefully. Sow pecan seeds in early spring in a sunny garden bed. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Due to the large mature size of pecan trees, plant them at least 20 feet away from your home or driveway and 40 feet away from other trees to allow for good air flow and sunlight — and to prevent competition for water and nutrients. Pecan trees have a long taproot and the roots are susceptible to disease if the water sits around them. Usually a pecan tree produces nut within 6-7 years. (Commercial orchards often use special tree vibrator-shakers to work the pecans loose from the open hulls and also use machinery to pick up fallen nuts.). If you plant it too deep, the tree will have trouble growing in the right shape. Why is there no meat in my pecans when they fall from the branches? Test the drainage of the soil where you want to plant your pecans. A common formula for commercial groves in the southeastern United States is to plant pecan trees in a square grid with the trees each 30-40 feet apart. Once it’s planted, trim off the top 1/3 of the tree to encourage it to grow healthy roots. This article was co-authored by Andrew Carberry, MPH. Thank you!". Remove any weeds, rocks or debris from the planting site and aerate it by breaking up large clods into smaller pieces. Be sure to plant your tree at least a month before the first leaves of spring emerge. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f7\/Plant-a-Peach-Tree-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Plant-a-Peach-Tree-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f7\/Plant-a-Peach-Tree-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/aid1408340-v4-728px-Plant-a-Peach-Tree-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"