Pecan Trees

Park Grove Estates
Homeowners Association

Pecan Trees

History of Pecan Trees in Gilbert
Click here for an interesting look into the past.

In the Home Landscape
Pecan are large trees that need 30 feet distance from adjacent trees or buildings for optimal growth. Pecans are by habit deep rooted and need well draining soils. Healthy trees will maintain 8 to 16" of new shoot growth annually.

Watering
Ideally, basins should be formed around trees to facilitate watering when irrigation is not available. Adequate watering is necessary for the overall health of the tree, not just nut production. A mature pecan tree under drip irrigation requires 110 gallons per day. Mature trees should be watered every 14 to 21 days. Using this formula each tree needs approximately 1500 gallons per tree every 14 days and 2200 gallons per tree every 21 days.

There is a simple method to determine if your trees are receiving adequate water. Read your water meter. Set the tree station on your sprinkler timer to water for one hour. Read the meter again at the end of the cycle. Determine how many gallons have been delivered. Divide the total gallons delivered by the number of tree watered. This will approximate the amount of water delivered in one hour per tree. You will need to increase the watering time until sufficient water is applied for either a 14 or 21 day cycle. For example our trees water 20 hours per day 3 days in a row every two weeks to provide adequate deep watering.

What to do with all those darn nuts!

Dip roasted, salted pecans 1/2 way into melted sweet chocolate for individual candy pieces.

Mix finely chopped pecans or pecan meal into pie crust for a wonderful texture.

Sprinkle pecan meal on top of whipped cream pies for decoration.

Make a mixture of 1 c. bread crumbs, 1 c. pecan meal. Store in a jar for topping casseroles.

Consistent deep watering is especially needed in August and September. Trees do not require watering in November, December, and January.

Aphids
Pecans are prone to aphid infestations. Aphids not only reduce nut production but the general health of the tree. Honeydew is also a serious problem when pecans are planted overhanging driveways or sidewalks. The concrete will be gradually eroded by the dark sticky substance, resulting in a need to replace drives and sidewalk, an expensive repair!

Several methods are available to control aphids. Systemic insecticides can be applied to the tree root in spring or early summer. Contact sprays can be applied as soon as "honeydew" effect on pecan leaves is noticeable if you have the proper equipment. Trees can be sprayed with a soap and water solution by the home owner.

Fertilizing
Nitrogen and zinc are needed for pecan tree growth (not just nut production). Nitrogen can be easily applied using ammonium sulfate (21%N) or a balanced fertilizer. Mature trees need one pound of ammonium sulfate per inch of trunk diameter. Half of the amount should be applied in spring and the second half in early summer. If the tree is growing in Bermuda grass slightly larger amounts of fertilizer may be needed. Apply a deep watering with any fertilizer application.

Special Arrangement

Your Board annually retains the services of Bartlett Tree Services to deep root fertilize the pecan trees along Elliot and Lindsay roads. As a service to homeowners, the arborists have agreed to extend the same prices for pecan trees on individual homeowner lots. We encourage all homeowners to take advantage of the services provided by Bartlett for the care of their pecans as well as other landscaping needs. Dates for the tree fertilizing is announced annually.

Zinc needs in pecans are critical. Zinc deficiency causes smaller than normal leaves, yellowing and bunching (rosette) of young leaves and browning of older leaves. Trees stressed by zinc deficiency are more susceptible to heart rot, sunburn, insects and other tree diseases.

The most efficient way to provide zinc to trees is through foliar application. Apply at the rate of one tablespoon of zinc sulfate per gallon. You will need proper equipment to wet the entire foliage of the tree. Make the first application at bud break. Repeat at weekly intervals three or four more times as leaves develop.

Apply Zinc at the rate of one pound per inch of tree trunk diameter. This needs to be applied in holes at the tree dripline when is often difficult in home landscaping. Soil application should take place in January or February. Zinc implants are the easiest, but most expensive method of supplying this nutrient. You will need to get this treatment from a tree doctor or a commercial agriculture supplier may have the materials needed to do-it-yourself.

Author: Kathryn W. Kenney; former Maricopa County Master Gardener

Click here for a printer-friendly copy of this Pecan Tree Care article.

Want to learn even more???

For additional information on pecan tree care, visit the New Mexico State University College of Agriculture's Horticulture Publication web page and scan the page for publications relating to the planting, fertilization and care of pecan trees.

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Send mail to Bob Kenney with questions or comments about this web site. Last modified: August 2007

Send mail to Bob Kenney with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: August 2007