I live in north Texas and would like to transplant them to my place in east Texas. The most successful transplants have trunks that are 10 inches or less in diameter. An alternative method is to use tree protectors (also called tree guards or tree shelters). Commercial pecan nurseries and commercial pecan farmers expect around 3–4 feet of growth per year, however we can regularly get more with an intensive nutrient management program. Pecan trees: I transplanted 3 pecan trees 10'. About: Retired Firefighter 1966 to 1986; Retired Wheat Farmer 1987 to 2003. Pour water into the hole to settle the soil, which will further reduce air pockets and keep the roots moist (Figure 5). The trees should be vigorous and free from pests. They plant the nuts barely below ground level covering them with 1/8" to 1/4" of dirt. All rights reserved. Where I could get a young healthy pecan tree? You must hold the shovel to where it goes straight down on all 4 sides pushing the shovel as deep as it will go. Caring for pecan trees is all about three main things: water, fertilizer, and pest control. The Mississippi State University Extension Service is working to ensure all web content is accessible to all users. Pecans reach maturity at about twelve years old and can live as long as 300 years. When do you suggest would be the best time to transplant them? A fully-grown pecan tree reaches heights up to 100 feet with spreads ranging from 40 to 75 feet. Wrap the soil ball in burlap and move it to the new planting location. Proper transplanting technique is critical to ensure survival of transplanted bare-root pecan trees. The size of the tree. And very, very tricky to spray. Some cultivars such as the Desirable pecan trees are self pollinating, however, pollination by another cultivar will increase the nut size and the overall yield. The cost of tree spading is currently at least $80 per tree (and perhaps more) so let’s look at the following. In this video, This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook explains how to transplant a small tree. Moving the tree to its new hole is much easier (and less messy) when it's wrapped in a plastic or cloth. The tap root may also be pruned, as it will regrow, but do not cut it shorter than about 18 inches long. Leaves that are discolored in the veins, wavy or curling leaves, or long bare branches with just a clump of leaves at the top are all symptoms of zinc deficiency. But transplanted pecan trees do indeed provide shade and, if cared for properly, come into full nut production a few years sooner than new nursery trees planted at the same time. If you are growing them for the nuts and not just for shade trees, you will need more than one, as the nuts are grown from cross-pollination. 3rd pic shows me supporting the tree & dirt ball, ready to gently lower it into a newly dug hole. Pecan trees: I transplanted 3 pecan trees 10'. 11 ft. around. Code Ann. If the nut kernels are poorly filled or hollow, this too is a sign of zinc deficiency. References to commercial products, trade names, or suppliers are made with the understanding that no endorsement is implied and that no discrimination against other products or suppliers is intended. Pruning encourages both upward and lateral growth to make the most of sunshine and make for easier tree management. Did you make this project? Pecan trees flourish with annual pruning that should begin as soon as the tree is planted. Pecan tree fun facts: The Pecan is the State Tree of Texas. Pecan trees cannot self-pollinate and rely on cross-pollination. You don't want to plant a tree and not graft it. Moving full-grown trees allows you to change your landscape dramatically and relatively quickly. on Introduction. A power-driven auger, 12–18 inches in diameter, is a good implement for digging tree-planting holes, especially when a large orchard is planned (Figure 4). Let's get started, Plastic or clay pot approx 14" to 16" wide, Plastic sheet capable of lasting 3 months outside (I use Cat food sacks), Scissors (to cut the plastic into strips), Mulch (leaves, grass clippings, shredded newspaper) to put in bottom of pot, Good loam soil & water (to settle dirt ball into pot). Revised by Eric Stafne, PhD, Associate Extension/Research Professor, Coastal Research & Extension Center. Once these are properly placed around the tree, herbicide applications can be made to eliminate weeds. A native pecan tree typically grows from a nut that falls from a tree and begins to grow without any human intervention. They have free downloads of different methods of grafting. Without the strips, the dirt ball will break up, exposing the tree's root, killing the tree. Following some basic rules of planting will help a young pecan tree grow into a large, healthy adult. Gather mature, intact pecan nuts in fall after the hulls have turned from green to brown. 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