Care of Young Trees
Watering: The primary aftercare chore for successfully growing pecan trees is to supply the trees’ moisture needs for the first two or three years. The basic reason for this is that most young trees have lost a large percentage of their roots during digging and transplanting. This limited root system must be supplied regularly to meet the needs of the top. Apply 10 to 15 gallons of water at regular weekly intervals, either by rainfall or irrigation. This is one chore that must not be neglected.
Fertility and pH: Do not place fertilizer in the planting hole because it may injure roots. Young pecan trees do need a ready source of nutrients to promote rapid growth. For accurate determination of fertilizer and lime needs, take a soil sample prior to planting. If no soil test was made, use a general rate of about 1 pound of 10-10-10 fertilizer distributed in a 25-square-foot area around the tree. Make this application immediately after planting and again in June or July. The following February, apply 4 pounds of 10-10-10 fertilizer for each inch of trunk diameter (measured 1 foot above soil surface). Do not place fertilizer within 12 inches of the trunk. Young trees should make from 2 to 4 feet of terminal growth each year. Where growth is less, apply 1 pound of ammonium nitrate fertilizer per inch of trunk diameter in June or July. As a general recommendation, apply 1 pound zinc sulfate per tree for the first three years after planting. Spread the fertilizer and zinc sulfate in a circle around the tree outside of the planting hole.
