How Fast Do Pecan Trees Grow?

Pecan trees are a popular tree native to the United States and are known for bearing delicious pecan nuts.

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If you’re curious to plant pecan trees, you might be wondering: How fast do pecan trees grow?

In this article, I will explore some key information about pecan trees, including how fast they grow as well as when pecan trees fully mature.

Let’s get into it.

How Fast Do Pecan Trees Grow?

Pecan trees tend to grow at a moderate rate. They can gain around 2 to 4 feet at a maximum annually provided that the growing conditions are right.

That being said, there are many variables that can impact how quickly a pecan tree grows. The growth rate of pecan trees depends on a variety of different factors, which include:

Sunlight

Pecan trees like plenty of sunlight! You should plant your pecan tree in direct sunlight, as it will thrive in at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day.

When it comes to choosing a location to plant your pecan tree in your backyard, make sure they are at least 30 feet away from your home or trees to ensure that they receive enough sunlight throughout the day.

Soil & Drainage

Pecan trees tend to thrive best in sandy loam soil. As young pecan trees are particularly thirsty trees, it is essential they are placed grown in well-draining soil.

This will prevent root rot and will also ensure the safety of the plant, as their roots need oxygen to function and survive.

Heavy clay soils with poor drainage and high water holding capacity should therefore be avoided, as these types of soils stay saturated with water for long periods of time.

Water

Regular watering is essential for young, newly planted trees and young pecan trees can tolerate a lot of water. You will need to water your pecan trees weekly in the absence of rain for the first two or three years after planting.

You will need to water your pecan tree slowly, allowing the soil to absorb as much water as possible. Make sure that you stop watering the tree once the water begins to run off.

It’s important to note that pecan trees are unable to tolerate stagnant water, so overwatering your tree is not advised as this can lead to a wealth of issues down the line.

If you live in a dry or arid region that doesn’t experience frequent rainfall, consider watering the trees at least once a week, or it’s a good idea to supply water through an irrigation system.

However, one of the worst mistakes you can make is to irrigate on schedule regardless of weather conditions. You need to monitor the soil moisture to ensure that your pecan trees are as healthy as possible.

Fertilization

If you don’t test your soil, then you should begin with a 10-10-10 blend of fertilizer, meaning that it has equal parts of phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium.

The majority of trees need a minimum of one annual fertilizer application so that they are as healthy as possible throughout the summer season, but some pecan trees can benefit from fertilizer twice a year.

You will need to offer fertilizer to young pecan trees at the end of winter dormancy, in late February or early March.

If you’re planting your pecan tree in your lawn that is fertilized, then this is typically the only fertilizer application that your pecan tree will need.

That being said, if you’re growing pecan trees in another location, such as an orchard, then it could benefit from a second application of fertilizer in late spring or early summer (May or June).

Pecans are renowned for being heavily dependent on zinc, with some pecan tree varieties needing more than others.

Bearing this in mind, it’s a good idea to opt for a 10-10-10 fertilizer with 2 percent additional zinc, often sold specifically as a pecan fertilizer.

This should work to prevent your pecan trees from developing mottled leaves due to a lack of zinc.

Spacing

Many people don’t realize just how much space pecan trees require. Given their extensive size, when it comes to planting multiple pecan trees in your backyard, you will need to ensure that you leave 60 to 80 feet between any two saplings.

Maintaining a gap of this size allows the trees to grow naturally without them interfering with each other.

Provided that these needs are met, you can expect your pecan trees to thrive in your orchard or backyard.

When Do Pecan Trees Mature?

If you cultivate seeds, pecan trees will become fully mature when they are between 18 to 22 years old and will begin bearing fruit when they reach 10 to 14 years old.

On the other hand, if you cultivate grafts, then your pecan trees will become fully grown when they are around 14 to 16 years in age, bearing nuts after around 6 to 8 years.

Do You Need Two Pecan Trees To Produce Nuts?

Yes, if you’re growing pecan trees in the hopes that they will eventually produce nuts, you will require two or more different cultivars.

This comes down to the fact that although self-pollination is possible, cross pollination is essential for maximum productivity.

Pecan trees are typically harvested between September and November. Pecans are great for a number of recipes, including delicious sweet treats such as pecan pie, butter pecan ice cream, as well as savory recipes such as pecan salad.

That being said, if you don’t have enough space in your backyard for several trees, they still make wonderful additions even if you don’t plan to harvest.