Answers To Frequently Asked Questions About Pecans

Pecan trees are one of our biggest sellers, and it’s not too late to purchase and plant container pecan trees or bare root pecan trees. We begin taking pre-orders for our bare root trees in September, and ship them January through March, while our container pecans can be bought year-round. Before you purchase a tree, you might find it helpful to read on to get some answers to common questions about our pecans.

1. What Variety of Pecan Tree Should I Plant?

This is a question we often receive. We offer many different varieties of pecan trees, both in containers and bare root. All of them mature into beautiful shade trees that will be a lovely addition to any large property. A list of recommended varieties by your state's Agricultural Extension office is compiled for you here. 

The first thing to consider is the growing zone you are located in. Certain varieties of pecan trees grow better in different climates, so it is important to know which varieties you should be considering based on your location. If you don’t know what growing zone you are in, use our Plant Hardiness Lookup tool. This will allow you to input your zipcode and learn what USDA growing zone you are in.

Soil is a major factor, and you need to have soil that is well-drained but also has great water-holding capacity. Pecan trees need plenty of water in order to produce pecans, so it is best to plant your tree in soil with a very stable water table. This allows the roots of your tree to be able to feed off of capillary water. If you are going to be using an irrigation system, you will have more freedom to plant in different types of soil. Always try to avoid planting in clay soil. Clay soil will not soak up water as it should, and it will cause problems for the root development of your tree. If you are planning to plant in clay, make sure to supplement with another type of soil to ensure the future health of your tree. The ideal soil for pecan trees will be deep, well drained, and very fertile.

In addition, you need to think about disease- resistance. Pecan trees commonly are attacked by a variety of pests and diseases. Pecan scab, for example, is extremely common and this fungus will attack both leaves and pecans. Fortunately, there are specific varieties that are more resistant than others.

For instance, our Amling variety will provide excellent scab resistance, and is a generally low-maintenance tree. Plant Me Green offers Amling pecans in both container and bare root. Amling pecans are an excellent choice for homeowners interested in planting only a few trees. Other disease resistant varieties include Creek, Elliot, Gloria Grande, Jackson, Owens, and Sumner pecan trees. All of these varieties are wonderful choices for homeowners planting just a few trees to beautify a yard, provide shade, and of course, produce lots of yummy pecans.

If you have a very large property and are developing an orchard, your focus might be more of the specific type of pecan you wish to cultivate. It is important for you to do plenty of research to determine the best pecan variety for your area. If you would like some help selecting your varieties, feel free to call us toll free at (855) 817-5268.

2. How Large Will My Pecan Tree Grow?

In general, it would be fair to say that pecan trees are big trees once they reach maturity. Typically, mature pecan trees range from 70 feet in height all the way up to 100 feet in height with a spread of about 40 to 70 feet.

When planting bare root pecan trees or container pecan trees, it’s good to keep this eventual height in mind to ensure you won’t eventually hit power lines or telephone lines. In addition, because they can be a bit brittle, the branches can break off occasionally so do not plant your pecan trees right next to a house or another structure.

3. How Do I Plant My Pecan Trees?

To plant your pecan trees, you will need to dig a hole about two feet wide at the bottom, and deep enough to cover the taproot. When placing the tree in the hole, place it as deep as it was in the pot.

Fill in the hole about one-third of the way with topsoil, then saturate this soil with water to help the soil settle. Add a bit more soil and saturate, continuing the process until your hole is nearly full. Next, wiggle the tree around in the hole to remove any air pockets that could inhibit root growth. Finally, you will need to construct a water basin around the tree that is 3 to 4 feet in diameter and about 8 inches deep.

For more information as well as general care information, please see our How To Plant guide.

4. When Will My Pecan Trees Begin Producing Pecans?

If you have never grown a fruit-bearing or nut-bearing tree before, you might be surprised to learn that new trees don’t begin to produce right away. Your container pecan trees and bare root pecan trees will not begin producing for several years after planting. Depending on the variety and growing conditions, you may wait 5 to 10 years before you start to see pecans growing.

It is important to note that many pecan trees bear more pecans on alternate years. For example, on year you may have a bumper crop of delicious pecans and the next, you could have very few pecans. This is common for many varieties of pecan trees and should be expected.

If you need further help or have other questions about our container pecan trees or bare root pecan trees, don’t hesitate to call us toll free at (855) 817-5268 or send us an email at info@plantmegreen.com.