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Norcross, GA on Apr 21, 2012

I have a pecan tree that I planted from a pecan about 25-30 yrs ago. It's never made any eatable pecans. It forms the

shells and they fall off the tree, but with nothing or nearly nothing in them. I read somewhere that the trees should be fertilized 3 times a year to bear pecans and I've never fertilized it at all. Bad me, for sure! It seems the first time should be in Feb. Since I forgot all about doing that this year to see if I can resuscitate this tree, is it too late to start now? And if it's not, just exactly what do I do? How much fertilizer, what kind, etc.? Do I have to water it after fertilizing? And if I am successful in getting pecans, do they simply fall off the tree or will I have to climb and pick them?

8 Comments

Donna Dixson Buford, GA

http://www.caes.uga.edu/publications/pubDeta...
This publication may help you identify the problems and if you can correct them.
Do you have more than one pecan tree? Though self pollinating they do a poor job if it.
http://www.caes.uga.edu/Publications/pubDeta...

on Apr 21, 2012 · Like 0
Louise Norcross, GA

I only have one tree. Thanks for the links, but since I know zilch about pecan trees, the kind I have, etc., I don't think I'll make it thru all the info. Is there a simple way to find out about whether I should try to fertilize the tree? I'm simple-minded sometimes. :-)

on Apr 21, 2012 · Like 0
Steve G Fort Collins, CO

You might take a cutting from the tree, along with a soil sample, to your cooperative extension office. They can help you ID, then offer a maintenance plan. Here's the link:
http://aesl.ces.uga.edu/soiltest123/Georgia....

on Apr 21, 2012 · Like 1
Douglas Hunt New Smyrna Beach, FL

On his web site, Georgia Gardener and Hometalk guru Walter Reeves says to:
Measure how thick your tree is at chest height. For every inch of thickness, broadcast a pound of 10-10-10. Do this three times a year; in mid- to late February, in June and in September.
In addition, apply one pound of zinc sulfate to 4 – 10 year old trees and three to five pounds for large trees each year.

on Apr 22, 2012 · Like 1
Walter Reeves Decatur, GA

My bet is that your tree has pecan scab....which often causes nuts to fall from the tree. Not much you can do about it. Pray for a dry spring each year and DO fertilize as Douglas notes.

on Apr 22, 2012 · Like 0
Louise Norcross, GA

When I apply the fertilizer, will it matter that I've missed the Feb broadcast? And should I water after applying the fertilizer and the zinc sulfate? Should I apply the Feb amt now or just skip it? I really love pecans and would like to have a tree full.

on Apr 22, 2012 · Like 0
Paul M Fairburn, GA

It may or may not have a disease as Walter mentioned. I use zinc sulfate to insure crop maturity and I have had great results with that. Pecan trees like a zinc rich environment. A once a year application will do and there is a ton of material about zinc and pecan crops online so it will be easy to find some information if you are interested. That is my suggestion.

on Apr 22, 2012 · Like 0
Douglas Hunt New Smyrna Beach, FL

Louise, since it is almost the end of April, I would wait another month and get on the fertilization schedule above. Follow label directions in terms of watering after application.

on Apr 23, 2012 · Like 1