Fertilizing Pecan Trees
- Soil Testing. A soil test should be the first step in starting a fertilizer regimen. These tests are inexpensive and...
- Foliar Analysis. Foliar analysis is the most accurate representation of a pecan tree’s nutrient needs. ... Contact your...
- Establishment Years (1 to 5). Regardless of whether a newly planted tree is in a commercial orchard or in...
When is the best time to fertilize my pecan trees?
- Mouse-ear (nutritional disorder). Symptom: leaflets with rounded, blunt ends. ...
- Nitrogen scorch (nutritional disorder) and pecan bacterial leaf scorch (disease). Common symptom: leaflets appear “scorched,” and portions of the leaflet are brown and necrotic (dead). ...
- Zinc deficiency (nutritional disorder) and bunch disease (disease). ...
What is the best fertilizer for pecan trees?
- Put zinc applications as your top priority, or the only priority if you do nothing else. ...
- For best results, water your trees deeply prior to applications of fertilizer. ...
- If you can afford to apply fertilizer at full strength (2 pounds per foot of height), do it.
Do pecan trees need to be pollinated?
Pecan trees are wind-pollinated; therefore, pollinators (i.e., bees) are not required to complete pollination. Cross-pollinated pecans are usually larger and higher quality than self-pollinated pecans. Self-pollination can reduce nut quality and greatly reduce crop yield by as much as 75 percent.
How to grow and care for pecan trees?
Taking care of a pecan tree isn’t too difficult once you understand its principal requirements:
- Rich, well-drained soil with a soil pH as close to 6.5 as possible
- Good nutrient balance with fertilizer application during the growing season
- Plenty of water
- An open sunny position
- Protection from pests and disease
- Pruning to maintain a good shape and healthy branches
See more
What fertilizer is best for pecan trees?
For younger trees, apply all of the 13-13-13 fertilizer and zinc in April. Apply half the 34-0-0 in April and the remainder in June.” The optimum pH range for pecan trees is 6.0 to 6.5. A soil test is the best way to know the pH of the soil and how much lime to apply.
What month do you fertilize pecan trees?
Fertilize pecan trees at the end of winter dormancy, in late February or early March. If the tree grows in a fertilized lawn, this is usually the only general-purpose fertilizer application needed. Trees growing elsewhere benefit from a nitrogen fertilizer application in late spring, usually May or June.
Are coffee grounds good for pecan trees?
Pecan Trees thrive in acidic soil which means that they will love coffee grounds.
What helps pecan trees produce?
Pecan trees grow best in well-drained sandy loam soil. Sandy soils will need to be fertilized often to maintain productivity, as nutrients will quickly leach through the large soil pore space of sand. Low fertility and an inadequate amount of zinc can limit nut production.
Is Epsom salt good for pecan trees?
If you have some fruit trees, a boost in magnesium will do them a world of good. Epsom Salt is used on fruit trees or vegetables to help them yield larger, sweeter, and more fruits. It works great also for nut trees and fruit shrubs.
How do you prune a pecan tree?
1:5011:33Pruning Pecan Trees - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe will leave these young branches until they're approximately inch in diameter at which point theyMoreWe will leave these young branches until they're approximately inch in diameter at which point they all be removed. It is nice to have videos and publications that tell us how to prune trees.
When should I put lime on my pecan tree?
Soil Acidity A soil sample should be taken prior to planting to determine any additional lime and fertilizer needs. Lime is not generally recommended for pecan trees when the soil pH is above 6. A very high pH is more likely to cause problems with mineral uptake than a low pH.
Should pecan trees be topped?
“Trees at planting are normally a whip without branches. A newly planted tree should have between ½ and 1/3 of the top removed so as to bring roots and shoots into balance.
How often do you water a pecan tree?
every two weeksPecan trees must be watered at least every two weeks because a three-week drought is the most a pecan tree can withstand. If your pecan tree undergoes water stress during the late stage of its development, it can lead to a major drop in fruit.
How do I get my pecan tree to produce fruit?
You can rejuvenate old pecan trees and get them to produce by interrupting the alternate-bearing process. This is done through proper maintenance, such as fertilizing correctly, sticking to a watering schedule, and managing common diseases. Extensive pruning, if done correctly, can also revive an old tree.
What causes pecans to not fill out?
Rain during the growing season leaches salts and enables all plants to better move water and nutrients. Last but not least, is the pollen source. All pecans are a result of cross pollination. If the pollen source was from a small nut variety, the nuts may not fill as well as if the pollen was from a large nut variety.
How often do you fertilize pecan trees?
Apply at least 3 times during spring and summer. Soil applications may be used in acidic soils. Apply 3–6 lb/acre of zinc sulfate on bearing trees, 1–2 lb/100 gal water on nonbearing trees. Apply at least 3 times during spring and summer.
How often do you fertilize pecan trees?
Apply at least 3 times during spring and summer. Soil applications may be used in acidic soils. Apply 3–6 lb/acre of zinc sulfate on bearing trees, 1–2 lb/100 gal water on nonbearing trees. Apply at least 3 times during spring and summer.
What time of year do pecan trees bloom?
The flowers bloom in mid to late spring and, as they fade, pecan fruits start developing. To get an abundant harvest, it's important to grow at least two pecan trees in the same area. Pollinators, like bees and other insects, will cross-pollinate the trees, increasing quality and yield.
How do you take care of a mature pecan tree?
Tips for Growing a Pecan TreeFertilize often. Your pecan tree will grow faster, stronger, and healthier when you fertilize the ground around the tree. ... Water regularly. While you water your flowers, don't forget to also water your pecan tree! ... Protect from pests. Aphids are an enemy to pecan trees. ... Prune well.
How can I make my pecan tree grow faster?
Offer fertilizer to the young trees early in the spring in a ratio of 10:10:10, i.e. equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Also, try to maintain the pH level of the soil between 5.5 and 6.5.
What Pecan Fertilizer to Use
The main thing pecan trees need to produce nuts is nitrogen (the first number in fertilizer). If you are growing a tree or two in your yard, 10-10-...
How Much Fertilizer to Apply on Pecan Trees
As a general rule, use 3/4 to 1 pound of fertilizer per 1 foot height of your pecan tree, per season. You'll want to break the application of ferti...
When to Fertilize Pecan Trees
The best time to fertilize your pecan trees is just after your trees have come out of dormancy in the Spring. Fertilizer applied too early can be w...
Why is fertilization important for pecan trees?
Proper and balanced fertilization is important because pecan yields are proportional to the amount of the most limiting nutrient. This means if only one nutrient is below normal and all others are sufficient, yields can still suffer. Nutrients that a pecan tree requires are in two categories: macronutrients and micronutrients. Macronutrients are needed in larger amounts by pecan trees. Those elements are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulfur (S), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg). Essential plant functions performed by macronutrients include the production of proteins, nucleic acids, and chlorophyll; the activation of enzymes; photosynthesis; and sugar transport.
How to use zinc on pecan trees?
Zinc is commonly applied to improved cultivar pecan trees as a foliar spray. This ensures quick uptake by the tree. Young trees and fast-growing trees need applications of zinc on new growth during the spring starting at budbreak and continuing for three sprays at 2- to 3-week intervals. Zinc sulfate is the primary source of zinc and can be mixed at 2 to 3 pounds per 100 gallons of water.
What is the best nutrient for pecan trees?
The single-most required nutrient is nitrogen. Pecan trees grow quickly and need a good amount of nitrogen for best production. High-input, improved cultivars may require more than 250 pounds of actual nitrogen per acre per year for best production. Low-input orchards (those without irrigation and few spray applications) and native pecan trees do not require as much nitrogen and can perform with around 150 pounds of actual nitrogen per acre per year. See Table 3 for details on recommendations based on foliar analysis.
When and how to fertilize pecan trees?
As for when to fertilize pecan trees, it is best done in late fall or early winter. The soil should be warm and moist enough to absorb the nutrients from fertilizer pellets but not so much that they dissolve immediately into the groundwater (which may cause root rot). Late October through December is a good time frame. If you have more than one tree then apply fertilizer each year in different months as this will make sure none of them become too dependent on a single nutrient level causing damage later if there are any changes due to disease restrictions etc. Also, consider using slow-release forms of nitrogen such as organic manure instead of synthetic NPK with high levels at once because these will provide longer-lasting nourishment without harming the roots.
What are pecan trees and what does it need to grow best?
The Pecan tree is a deciduous, medium-sized tree that grows well in zones seven through ten. The natural range of the pecan extends from eastern Texas to central Mexico and up into Iowa. They are considered self-pollinating, however, you will get more nuts if some cross-pollination occurs when possible with another variety within 30 miles or so.
What NPK ratio choose for pecan trees?
The NPK ratio you choose for your Pecan trees will depend on the age of your trees and what type of fertilizer you are using. Young trees need a higher nitrogen content, while older trees need more phosphorus and potassium. Be sure to read the label on your fertilizer to determine which NPK ratio is best for your trees.
What fertilizer do pecan trees need?
The main thing pecan trees need to produce nuts is nitrogen (the first number in fertilizer). If you are growing a tree or two in your yard, 10-10-10 might be a suitable fertilizer for you, but you'll need to apply Zinc separately.
How much water does a pecan tree need?
A producing pecan tree of 7 years of age and older, can use up to 2,000 gallons of water a week during the hottest months of summer. If there isn't a free source of water on your property for irrigation, you might want to think twice before starting an orchard!
What are the symptoms of zinc deficiency in pecan trees?
Pecan trees suffering from Zinc deficiency will display certain symptoms. Leaves that are discolored in the veins, wavy or curling leaves, or long bare branches with just a clump of leaves at the top are all symptoms of zinc deficiency.
Do you need to water pecan trees?
Of course, you don't have to water a mature pecan tree to keep it alive, but don't expect a bumper crop of healthy nuts without it.
Can you use a pump to spray zinc?
Zinc can also be applied as a liquid foliar spray. If you have only a tree or two, or if you have a whole orchard of young, small trees, you can use a small pump-type sprayer. If your pecan trees are larger, and you have a lot of them, a mechanical sprayer will be necessary to do the job sufficiently.
Is zinc good for pecan trees?
Put zinc applications as your top priority, or the only priority if you do nothing else. Zinc is cheap, easy to apply, and a must if you want your trees to produce an abundance of high-quality pecans
Fertilizing Pecan Trees
There is debate among experts as to how much fertilizer a mature pecan tree actually needs. Some recommend up to 50 pounds or more of fertilizer per tree. While these amounts won't harm a mature pecan tree, it may not be necessary to apply such large amounts.
What Pecan Fertilizer To Use
The main thing pecan trees need to produce nuts is nitrogen (the first number in fertilizer). If you are growing a tree or two in your yard, 10-10-10 might be a sutiable fertilizer for you, but you'll need to apply Zinc seperately.
How Much Fertilizer To Apply On Pecan Trees
As a general rule, use 3/4 to 1 pound of fertilizer per 1 foot height of your pecan tree, per season. You'll want to break the application of fertilizer into two apllications, as described in the next paragraph. You'll also want to apply zinc sulphate, as described further below.
When To Fertilize Pecan Trees
The best time to fertilize your pecan trees is just after your trees have come out of dormancy in the Spring. Fertilizer applied too early can be washed away or leeched too deeply into the soil for your pecan trees roots to easily pick it up when they break out of dormancy.
How to spread fertilizer on a tree?
Do not disturb the soil before applying the fertilizer. Spread it under and around the tree in an area twice the branch spread of the tree. The dolomite lime is the cheapest, but pelletized lime is easier to spread.
What is the pH of pecan trees?
Apply half the 34-0-0 in April and the remainder in June.”. The optimum pH range for pecan trees is 6.0 to 6.5. A soil test is the best way to know the pH of the soil and how much lime to apply. If lime is needed, 50 pounds of lime per 1000 square feet is equivalent ...
Why are pecan trees so hard to grow?
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Growing pecan trees can be tricky because of the many environmental factors that affect a tree’s health. One of the best ways to promote good health in pecan trees in establishing a proper fertilizing program.
Why is it important to fertilize pecan trees?
Therefore, to ensure that your tree is in its optimum health to produce high-quality nuts, it is imperative for you to fertilize consistently.
How much water does a pecan tree need?
Watering is another significant aspect of growing a healthy pecan tree. A pecan tree needs roughly about 100 to 200 gallons of water per day from April through October which is about 2 inches of water every week. Most water in Pecan Trees is lost to transpiration through the stomates or leaf pores. The transpiration allows the leaves to stay cool and avoids them from burning up in the intense heat of the summer which therefore enables the tree to make food to feed itself.
What are Fertilizers?
Fertilizers are nutrients that are vital for a plant’s growth. Choosing the best fertilizer for pecan trees is extremely important in determining the health and quality of your pecan tree. There are various types of fertilizers that are perfect for your tree.
How to root pecans from cuttings?
Growing pecans from cuttings start with taking six-inch tip cuttings during Spring. Pick side branches about as thick as a pencil and ensure they are flexible. Make the cuts on a slant, positioning the pruners just below the leaf nodes. For cuttings from the pecan tree, you will want to look for branches with a lot of leaves but don’t have any flowers.
What causes pecan trees to not produce pecans?
The lack of lime. Nitrogen and Zinc fertilizer are common factors that reduce the production of pecan nuts. Fertilize your Pecan Tree according to soil and leaf sample recommendations.
Why won't my pecan tree pollinate?
5. Overcrowding. Exposure to direct sunlight is important for pecan trees to thrive.
Why is it important to water pecan trees during dry season?
Soils, where there is water stagnancy, does not provide aeration for your pecan tree’s roots. The lack of water during the dry season will result in reduced yields and quantity. Therefore, well-drained soil is important as well as watering your trees often during the dry season.
How do pecans pollinate?
Pecans are pollinated by the wind. When the catkins mature, huge quantities of pollen are shed, which increase the chances that the windblown pollen will land on the stigmas of the female flowers. Should the catkins mature before or after the female flower is receptive, pollination does not occur.
Why are pecan trees not recommended for mountain landscapes?
Pecans are recommended for home landscapes from the Coastal Plains to the Piedmont but are not recommended for the mountains because of reduced yields due to late freezes. Air drainage is not so important for pecans as for other tree fruits, but avoid setting pecan trees in areas where there is no free air movement.
Why are pecans losing nuts?
Premature Loss of Nuts: In many years, lack of pollination causes the greatest loss of nuts. Since pecans are wind-pollinated, excessive rain during bloom prevents pollination and the unpollinated nuts fall. Weather conditions in some seasons cause the male and female flowers to mature at different periods, and pollination fails to occur. Some cultivars shed their pollen before the female flowers are receptive.
What is the best mulch for a tree?
Mulch trees with a 2- to 3-inch layer of pine straw, leaves, or old sawdust. This helps conserve moisture and reduces competition from grass and weeds, but do not let the mulch touch the trunk.
When should fertilizer be applied to a tree?
Fertilizer should be applied evenly beneath the canopy of the tree in mid- to late February.
Can pecans grow in South Carolina?
Pecan Planting & Fertilization. Pecans ( Carya illinoinensis) will grow in almost any soil in South Carolina, except poorly drained soil, hardpan or stiff clays, or thin sands with a high water table. Pecans are recommended for home landscapes from the Coastal Plains to the Piedmont but are not recommended for the mountains because ...
Is a pecan monoecious?
The pecan is monoecious, that is, the male (catkin or staminate flower) and female (pistillate flower) flowers are borne separately at different locations on the same tree. The female flowers are borne in clusters near the ends of current season’s shoots in the spring.
Soil Testing
Foliar Analysis
- Foliar analysis is the most accurate representation of a pecan tree’s nutrient needs. Taking a leaf sample can be done easily in just a few steps: 1. Contact your local county Extension office for detailed instructions of how to collect and where to send samples, or see Extension Publication 1224 Plant Analysis Sampling Instructions (http://extension.msstate.edu/publications/publicatio…
Establishment Years
- Regardless of whether a newly planted tree is in a commercial orchard or in a homeowner’s yard, weed control is essential for good growth and establishment. Other pests should also be controlled. Likely, first-year trees do not need a fertilizer application, as trees will live off nutrients obtained in the nursery. The tree may grow slowly aboveground in the first year, but the root syst…
Mature Years
- Commercial
Annual fertilizer applications based on leaflet analysis are necessary to maintain a commercial-level pecan orchard (Table 2). The amount of fertilizer needed can vary based on cultivar, management, site, and environment. Improved cultivars generally need more fertilizer than nativ… - Homeowner
If the lawn surrounding the pecan tree is being fertilized, this could add some nutrition to the tree; however, it may not be enough to satisfy the nutritional needs of the tree because most of the fertilizer will be used by the grass. One-half pound of ammonium nitrate (or similar) per 100 squ…
Nutritional Elements
- Macronutrients and Micronutrients
Proper and balanced fertilization is important because pecan yields are proportional to the amount of the most limiting nutrient. This means if only one nutrient is below normal and all others are sufficient, yields can still suffer. Nutrients that a pecan tree requires are in two catego… - Nitrogen
The single-most required nutrient is nitrogen. Pecan trees grow quickly and need a good amount of nitrogen for production. High-input, improved cultivars may require more than 250 pounds of actual nitrogen per acre per year for best production. Low-input orchards (those without irrigatio…
References
- Garcia, M.E. and D. Chapman. 2007. Fertilizer and cultural recommendations for pecan trees. University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. FSA6131. Smith, M.W., C.T. Rohla, and W.D. Goff. 2012. Pecan leaf elemental sufficiency ranges and fertilizer recommendations. HortTechnology 22:594-599. Wells, M.L. 2009. Pecan nutrient element status and orchard soil fe…
Online Resources
- MSU Extension Plant Disease and Nematode Diagnostic Services— http://extension.msstate.edu/lab MSU Extension Soil Testing— http://extension.msstate.edu/lawn-and-garden/soil-testing MSU Extension Soil Testing Form— http://extension.msstate.edu/publications/information-sheets/soil-testing-for-the-farmer MSU Ex…