Tip of the Week
Pecans flourish in East Texas

The Texas State tree, the pecan, is well suited for East Texas - and prepare now to plant them in January.

A few pointers:

Plant in deep soil - at least 3 feet deep sandy loam. Avoid rocky areas and heavy clay. Pecan trees need full sun.

Allow adequate room - minimum 30-35 feet in all directions. They grow big!

Purchase either container grown trees or bareroot trees. Buy from a respected local or Texas source.

Good varieties for Smith County include: Desirable, Kiowa, Choctaw, Cape Fear, Caddo and Cheyenne.

The best time to plant is when the trees are dormant - so the roots can get established before hot weather. Dig hole only as large as root system and refill with original soil.

Keep well watered, but be sure there is drainage underneath - 3-4 inch mulch on top and about 3' diameter is ideal.

Fertilize lightly first year. Use 21-0-0 (nitrogen) or similar fertilizer - apply one cup per tree in June the first year; April, May and June in succeeding years. Spread on soil away from trunk

For best nut production with bearing age trees, add zinc as NZN (zinc nitrate) or zinc sulfate as a spray at intervals during May-July.

Consult county extension bulletin B-5001, Home Pecan Production, for further details.

Your rewards will be a beautiful, bountiful, stately tree.

J.T. McKennon, Smith County Master Gardener