Join our mailing list to receive the latest updates from HGIC. Guidelines for fertilizing pecan trees. Do not fertilize after July because the rapid new growth can make your tree subject to frost damage later in the year. Proper attention to cultural requirements and pest control will help to assure a long and productive life for home pecan trees. We offer pecan trees for sale as well as pecan orchard development. This informs us which nutrients are required and the specific amounts. If this document didn’t answer your questions, please contact HGIC at hgic@clemson.edu or 1-888-656-9988. I have a 100-year-old pecan tree in my small backyard. This allows the trees to continuously draw from potassium in the soil as it grows from bud to bloom to fruit. Put zinc applications as your top priority, or the only priority if you do nothing else. The numbers themselves are percentages, meaning the mixture is 10% nitrogen, 10% phosphorus, and 10% potassium. In addition, apply one pound of zinc sulfate (click for sources) to 4 – 10 year old trees and three to five pounds for large trees each year. The pecan is the Texas state tree, being native to about 150 counties and capable of growing and producing in all Texas counties. Apply nitrogen at bud break in April and again in May and June. The ample amount of zinc in Ferti-Lome Fruit, Citrus and Pecan Tree Food 19-10-5 will help your pecan trees control rosette. Ammonium sulfate is a recommended source of nitrogen because it decreases the soil pH, temporarily increasing the zinc, iron and magnesium available to pecan trees. If fertilizer is applied during an extended dry period, it is best to water the area thoroughly with a sprinkler, applying 1 to 2 inches of water. Depending on soil test results, they may also need to be fertilized to correct pH problems as well as other macro-and micronutrient deficiencies. The “general approach” mentioned above is not ideal. Fertilizer applications are important for the healthy growth of pecan trees. Mark Arena, Specialty Crop Agent, Cooperative Extension Service, Clemson University. Young pecan trees do need a ready source of nutrients to promote rapid growth. Phosphorus and potassium are rarely needed in pecans. Native and improved pecan trees are grown commercially on about 70,000 acres in Texas. As a result, you can save money, reduce potential environmental concerns, and have a healthier tree. They need plenty of nitrogen, so use a fertilizer that has high nitrogen content, applying it every spring to the ground around the pecan tree, but being careful to not fertilize within one foot of the trunk, as this part of the tree can suffer from fertilizer … Without a soil test, the rule of thumb for fertilizing pecan trees is one pound of 13-13-13 fertilizer per tree for every year of the tree’s age, up to 25 pounds. Allow for approximately 65 to 80 feet (19.81 to 24.38 m) spacing between each pecan tree that you plant. Nitrogen fertilizers are converted to water-soluble nitrates that are easily leached from the soil, so they should be applied in several applications. Improved cultivars generally need more fertilizer than native/seedling pecan trees because they often produce larger nuts and have greater overall yields (Tables 3 and 4). The amount of fertilizer needed by a pecan tree depends on its size, age (young and smaller trees respond more to nitrogen fertilizer), production (the heavier the crop, the greater the response to fertilizer application), and soil type (pecan trees in sandy soils respond faster to nitrogen fertilizer). Newly planted tree phase - these trees are still babies and should have only minimal applications of a quick release fertilizer and more of a type that releases slowly. First, have the soil analyzed by a reputable lab and follow the scientifically based recommendations. How much fertilizer you need to use depends on the quality of the soil and the … For example, if a soil test recommends 10 pounds of nitrogen fertilizer, one would typically put out all ten pounds in one application. Trees should be fertilized during the late dormant season, usually February or early March. Based on trunk diameter - Apply 3 lbs. For accurate determination of fertilizer and lime needs, take a soil sample prior to planting. A better approach to fertilization is to split applications rather than applying all of the fertilizer at one time. If no soil test was done, use a general rate of about 1 pound of 16-4-8 or 1 1/2 pounds of 12-6-6 fertilizer distributed in a 25-square-foot area around the tree. Zinc Application for Pecan Trees », How To Fertilize & Water A Eucalyptus Tree. Best offers for your Garden - https://amzn.to/2InnD0w-----How to Fertilize a Pecan Tree. If a soil analysis shows a deficiency of zinc, zinc sulfate is best applied as a foliar spray. Nitrogen-based fertilizer applications can be applied at one time just before budbreak (March) or as a split application with half being applied in March and the other half in May. Instead of applying all 10 pounds at once, split the applications by putting out four pounds at bud swell, three pounds 30 to 45 days later, and apply the remaining 3 pounds 30 days afterward. If you are growing an orchard of pecan trees, and looking to make a profit, you'll probably want to use Ammonium Sulphate, which is typically accepted … The first is applied in early spring when buds first show signs of swelling. Rather, provide a light application (1 pound per tree) of 10-10-10 (N-P 2 O 5 … Properly fertilized pecan trees will have an abundance of large, dark green, healthy leaves forming a full canopy. A soil test is the best way to know the pH of the soil and how much lime to apply. In an orchard, plant the trees at least 60 feet (18.3 m) apart. You might also need to apply zinc sulfate, as described further below. AgroLiquid almond tree fertilizer, pecan tree fertilizer, walnut tree fertilizer, and other nut tree fertilizer programs are designed for slow release and easy application. Nitrogen and zinc are the two nutrients most often required by pecan trees annually. Apply half the 34-0-0 in April and the remainder in June.” The optimum pH range for pecan trees is 6.0 to 6.5. Pecan trees are native to the United States, where they thrive in Southern locations with a long growing season. In early spring on a periodic basis start applying small amounts of nitrogen-rich fertilizer. This item Fertilome 20 Lbs Fruit, Citrus & Pecan Tree Food - 10822 Jobe’s Organics 09224 Fruit & Citrus Fertilizer, 16lb, Brown Voluntary Purchasing Group Fertilome 10820 Citrus and Pecan Tree … As a general rule, use 3/4 to 1 pound of pecan tree fertilizer per 1 foot height of your pecan tree, per season, or use as directed on the bag of fertilizer. There are two approaches to fertilization. This prevents pecan rosette, which causes limbs to have thick knots of leaves at the ends. Smith Farm Supply’s custom blended pecan fertilizer eliminates this two-step process and you can rest assured … Fertilize with one-half to one pound of complete fertilizer per year of tree age, depending on tree vigor (maximum eight pounds per tree). Although pecan trees can be grown further west, nut production may be inconsistent. Ferti-lome Fruit, Citrus, Pecan Tree, & Shrub Fertilizer 4.0 out of 5 stars 3. Be smart and environmentally conscious this year, and start testing your soil and properly fertilizing! High nitrogen release rates on newly planted trees will burn roots and leaves on contact. HGIC 1356, Pecan Planting and Fertilization; How to Tell the Difference Between Goldenrod and Ragweed, Centipedegrass Yearly Maintenance Program. Nitrogen:Pecans must have nitrogen to grow well. COVID-19 Extension Updates and Resources ... More Information », Fertilizer should be applied evenly beneath the canopy of the tree.Mark Arena, ©2016, Clemson Extension. For heavy crops, apply it in July and August also. When properly applied, certain fertilizers can help a pecan tree remain healthy and encourage the tree to reach its full potential and produce a heavy crop of nuts. The soil around the tree is hard and packed, and the tree's roots make it impossible to grow much of anything near the tree. Soil test results provide us information on which nutrients are deficient and the quantity to add to help improve the tree’s health and production. You can also find a premixed fertilizer with these ratios sold as pecan fertilizer. Copyright © 2020 Clemson UniversityClemson Cooperative Extension | 103 Barre Hall Clemson, SC 29634864-986-4310 | Contact UsHGIC@clemson.edu, College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences. Types of Fertilizer to Use on Pecan Trees The most commonly used fertilizer used for pecan trees is a 10-10-10 fertilizer with 2 percent additional zinc. Fertilizing pecan trees in the Fall Long time readers of this blog will remember that I like to make two applications of fertilizer to my pecan trees each year. Bareroot and container pecan trees for sale at our wholesale and retail pecan nursery. For more information on soil testing and fertilizing pecan trees, see HGIC 1356, Pecan Planting and Fertilization; HGIC 1652, Soil Testing; and How to Take a Soil Sample. Young trees should receive small, f… For younger trees, apply all of the 13-13-13 fertilizer and zinc in April. Zinc is cheap, easy to apply, and a must if you want your trees to produce an abundance of high-quality pecans; For best results, water your trees deeply prior to applications of fertilizer. The tree is popular for landscaping and as a source of nuts. Southern Ag Zinc Sulfate Granular, 5lb 4.8 out of 5 stars 13. However, Georgia pecan trees will generally benefit from using what’s known as 10-10-10 fertilizer. When planting pecan trees, or any other trees, do not put fertilizer in the planting hole. Mark Arena, ©2016, Clemson Extension There are two approaches to fertilization. Additional Pecan Tree Growing Tips. Adding additional fertilizer to pecan trees cannot overcome a poor site or soil, inadequate soil moisture or poor disease and insect control. Fertilizing Pecan Trees. If you would like to purchase pecan trees, contact our pecan tree nursery, today! This approach provides the tree nutrients throughout the growing season while reducing fertilizer losses to leaching and runoff. For large, mature trees the fertilizer can be applied at one time in early March. Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer. This is more convenient and eliminates the risk of poorly mixed fertilizer that can damage your tree. Use a broadcast applicator to sprinkle the fertilizer on the soil 1 foot away from the pecan tree’s trunk and spread it to just beyond the drip line, completely surrounding the tree. The fertilizer should never be applied within 12 inches of the trunk. That seems like a lot, but the fact is if a tree trunk is 10 inches in diameter it needs 40 pounds of fertilizer to ensure it reaches nutritional requirements. $13.95. Trees in soils with low pH will respond to soil-applied Zn. Here's a Pecan Planting Guide with Tips. The selected site should ideally have well-drained, deep soils (3 to 4 feet) with moderate soil-moisture-holding capacity. Nitrogen Nitrogen-based fertilizers encourage vigorous growth in both young and mature pecan trees when applied during the growing season. Zinc chelates release zinc slowly so that … $25.59. A pecan tree could damage buildings or smaller trees with falling branches as it grows bigger. Pecan trees are native to river valley soils and have a relatively high water requirement. Most South Carolina soils have adequate levels of zinc, and overuse of 14-14-14 or 10-10-10 may lead to excessive levels of phosphorus in the soil. If you do not purchase a blended pecan fertilizer it is recommended to use a 10-10-10 fertilizer followed by three to five pounds of zinc phosphate. The three numbers refer to the above components (in order). $22.99. Pecans . Fertilizer should be applied evenly beneath the canopy of the tree. The second often referred to as “a general approach,” is to buy a bag of fertilizer and follow the instructions noted. Pecan orchards need applications of nitrogen and zinc every year. The amount of fertilizer needed can vary based on cultivar, management, site, and environment. Improved cultivars generally need more fertilizer than native/seedling pecan trees because they often produce larger nuts and have greater overall yields (Tables 3 and 4). As a rule, 10 pounds of actual nitrogen is needed in June to produce 100 pounds of pecans per acre. Soil and Site Requirements This method is the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to approach fertilization. TreeHelp Premium Fertilizer for Pecan 4.7 out of 5 stars 9. This fertilizer can be tossed out by hand, or spread with a small push-type rotary spreader. Many nursery and garden centers, or feed and seed stores, offer a specialty Pecan Tree Fertilizer that will also contain the Zinc your tree or two will need. Fertilizer Guidelines. The recommended method is to have the soil tested and analyzed. First, have the soil analyzed by a reputable lab and follow the scientifically based recommendations. The second application is made in the Fall, usually in early October. Ferti-Lome Fruit, Citrus and Pecan Tree Food 19-10-5 is formulated to give your trees a unique mix of nutrients that make your trees grow and be more productive. You'll want to break the application of fertilizer into two applications, as described in the next paragraph.