Wilson Bros Gardens LLC

Pecan trees are easy to grow and will provide you with loads of tasty pecans when planted right and in the right spot. 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.

If you are planting several pecan trees, space them at least 60 feet apart to allow plenty of room to grow and receive sufficient sunlight. Crops can be reduced when trees are overcrowded.

TIP: Pecan trees are available in bare-root (with no soil around roots) and container-grown. Bare-root trees should be planted while they are dormant (with no leaves on trees). Container-grown trees can be planted year round however will suffer less stress when planted during the fall, winter or early spring. 

Here's a breakdown of what you need to know to plant a pecan tree...

Pecan trees grow and produce the best nuts in well-drained moist soil, however tolerate a wide range of soils as long as water and nutrients are not limiting and soil pH is adequate. They like the soil to hold a good supply of water, especially when new trees are developing a root system, but not so much water that the soil stays constantly soggy or wet, which can cause problems with the roots. They are tolerant of heavy clay soils if drainage is good.

How To Test Soil Drainage:  If you are uncertain about soil drainage in the area you intend to plant, it's well worth taking the time to test the drainage before planting. To test soil drainage, dig a hole 12" wide by 12" deep in the planting area. Fill the hole with water and let it drain. Then, after it drains, fill it with water again, but this time clock how long it takes to drain. In well-drained soil the water level will go down at a rate of about 1 inch an hour. A faster rate, such as in loose, sandy soil, may signal potentially dry site conditions. A slower rate indicates poor draining soil and could be a caution you might need to improve drainage, plant in a raised mound or bed, or look for plants that are more tolerant of wet or boggy conditions.

Pecan trees grow best in a slightly acid to neutral soil ranging between 6.5 and 7.0 on the pH scale. Most average garden soils fall between a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.

The best and most nuts will be produced when pecan trees are growing in full sun.

Bare-Root Trees

Bare-root pecan trees have long taproots so will need a deep planting hole.

Start by digging a hole at least three feet deep and 18 to 24 inches wide so that all side roots can be properly positioned as the hole is backfilled.

When centered in the hole, trees should be set at the same depth they were at the growing operation, which is usually indicated by a color change on the bark. Avoid planting your pecan tree too deeply because the roots may die from lack of oxygen. Also, trees planted too deep are often easily blown over in a storm when they reach 15 to 20 years of age.

Roots should be arranged in a natural position in the planting hole. You can trim off twisted or broken roots and lightly trim excessively long roots so that they'll fit in the planting hole. if necessary, excessively long taproots can be trimmed.


TIP:  Do not place any fertilizer in the hole. In excessively hard clay soils it's okay to add a little soil conditioner, such as ground pine bark fines or bagged top soil, but not too much.

After the tree is set at the appropriate depth, begin filling the hole with water. When the hole is filled halfway with water, push dirt in the hole while the water continues to run. When the water level approaches the top of the hole, turn the water off and fill the rest of the hole with dirt. This will prevent air pockets from developing around the roots. You can level the soil around the tree but avoid packing it down. It is not necessary to create a berm or basin around the tree to hold water, however it's okay to do when trees are planted far from a water source.

After planting, prune one-third to one-half of the top of the tree and remove any branches to compensate for the large percentage of roots lost when the tree was dug at the growing operation.

To protect your new pecan tree from cold damage, chemicals and animals for the first few years, painting the trunk with white latex paint or by placing a 2 to 3 foot growing tube or sleeve over the tree, such as 4-inch corrugated drain pipe, is beneficial. You'll want split the pipe down the entire length of one side so they can be easily removed after a few years.

Mulch trees with a six-inch layer of pine straw or leaves, or a two-inch layer or old sawdust or wood mulch. This helps to hold in moisture and prevents competition from weeds.

Plant container-grown pecan trees similarly to bare-root trees.

Start by removing your tree from its container. If the tree is stuck in the pot cut the pot away with a knife or some snips.

If the roots are root-bound pull some of the roots away from the surface of the root ball and trim them a little. If the taproot has become twisted at the base of the container, it should be straightened or cut to encourage new taproot growth.

Place your tree in the hole with the top edge of the the root ball at or slightly above ground level to allow for settling.

Then add water and soil as indicated above for bare-root trees. 

TIP:  Because container soil mix can act as a wick and pull moisture away from the roots, cover it with an additional inch of soil to prevent roots from drying out.