What kind of fertilizer do you use on a pecan tree?
Use a 10-10-10 fertilizer with 2 percent additional zinc, often sold specifically as a pecan fertilizer, to prevent these issues. Alternatively, apply 1/2 pound of a 36 percent zinc sulfate fertilizer for every 1/2 inch of trunk diameter every three years during the dormant fertilizer application.
What time of year do you prune pecan trees?
Pruning a pecan tree should take place at the end of winter, just before the new buds form. This keeps the tree from putting too much energy into new growth that’s just going to be cut away. As the tree grows, cut away any branches that have a tighter angle than 45 degrees – they’ll grow too weak.
Why doesn’t my pecan tree produce pecans?
Alternate pecan production (on and off years) is mainly the result of inadequate fertilization. When trees set a large nut crop, there are not enough nutrients for both that year’s nuts to mature and for the tree to store enough plant food for adequate production in the following year.
Why does my pecan tree produce rotten pecans?
What is Pecan Shuck and Kernel Rot? The disease is caused by a fungal species, Phytophthora cactorum. It causes rot in the fruit of the tree, turning the shuck into a mushy, rotted mess, and rendering the nuts inedible. Pecan shuck and kernel rot infections usually occur in late August or early September.
How do you keep squirrels out of a pecan tree?
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.
How long does it take a pecan tree to make pecans?
A grafted pecan tree 4 to 6 feet tall planted in a good site and properly maintained will generally begin production in 6 to 7 years. The more precocious varieties may sometimes start production in 4 to 5 years. The less precocious varieties may take 8 to 10 years to bear.
Do pecan trees produce nuts every year?
While pecan trees may produce a crop each year once they get started, heavy crops of nuts get produced in alternate years. The phenomenon, called alternate bearing, means the trees produce light crops in the other years.
Do pecans like wet soil?
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 are tolerant of heavy clay soils if drainage is good.
Does pecan trees produce every year?
When is the best time to plant pecan trees?
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 much fertilizer do pecan trees need?
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.
Which is the best fertilizer for pecan trees?
If you are growing an orchard of pecan trees, and looking to make a profit, you’ll probably want to use a fertilizer containing ammonium sulphate, which is typically accepted as the suitable fertilizer by most pecan tree farmers. Ammonium sulfate can be bought in bulk form, or in bags.
How long does it take for pecan tree to produce pecans?
Time Frame. A grafted pecan tree can produce a small crop as soon as two years after its grafting, although it will typically take closer to five years to mature enough to produce a large crop. Some pecan trees may take 10 to 12 years to move beyond vegetative growth into fruiting maturity.