Four Ways to Improve Pecan
Production on Trees Around Your Home
 

1. Fertilize properly, preferably according to soil and leaf sample recommendations. If you have not taken samples, rules of thumb are: 

1 lb. of 13-13-13 per tree per year of age up to 25 lbs/tree, or 300 lbs/acre

plus

1 lb of ammonium nitrate per tree per year of age up to 20 lbs/tree, or 240 lbs/acre

plus

1/10 lb zinc sulfate per tree per year of age up to 2 lbs/tree, or 24 lbs/acre

plus

5 lbs dolomitic lime per tree per year of age up to 100 lbs/tree, or 1200 lbs/acre

Apply all fertilizer in April on large trees. For young trees, fertilize in March with 13-13-13, lime and zinc. Apply 1/2 ammonium nitrate in April, half in June. Broad­cast fertilizer on the surface in a circle twice the branch spread of the tree.

In years where crop is large, apply a supplemental application in August, using 1/2 the rates above, except omitting the lime.

2. Choose established pest-resistant cultivars, like Elliott, or new cultivars McMillan, Syrup Mill, Carter, Jenkins and Gafford.

3. Make sure the trees have enough room for good sunlight exposure. Cut down some trees if limbs overlap adjacent trees.

4. Water the trees when it’s dry, especially in late August and early September. Also maintaining a 4-6” layer of organic mulch (bark chips, compost, leaf litter, etc. will conserve moisture, improve root growth, and reduce compaction.