Planting Trees
The best tree size for the home gardener to transplant is a 4 to 5 feet propagated tree from the nursery. These trees will generally be bare-root if ordered directly from the nursery or may be packaged if bought from a garden center. Pecan trees should be planted as soon as they are received.
We at Bass Pecan sell container pecan trees that can be transplanted anytime during the dormant season, but late fall and early winter is the best time. Container-grown pecan trees have become available for the home gardener. This type is superior to either bare-root or packaged. Container-grown trees can be planted anytime of the year, but early in the dormant season is best. Care must be given to provide sufficient moisture, especially when planting during the summer months.
Dig a hole at least 24 inches wide at the bottom and 2½ to 3 feet deep. Examine the roots and remove all broken or injured roots. Occasionally the taproot and/or some of the lateral roots will need to be pruned to fit the hole. Never twist lateral roots in the hole, as this could eventually cause death to that part of the root system.
Plant the tree at the same depth that it grew in the nursery. Fill the hole about one-third full of topsoil and saturate the soil with water to settle, repeating this operation until the hole is almost full. Then construct a basin around the tree 2 or 3 feet in diameter and 6 to 12 inches deep. Ideally, this constructed reservoir should hold 10 to 15 gallons of water at each watering.
Remove one-half of the top of the new tree. This is essential for encouraging vigorous growth and rapid establishment.
Mulch trees with a 2- to 3-inch layer of pine straw, leaves or old sawdust. This helps conserve moisture and reduces competition from grass and weeds
