Lakeview Pecans, Container Grown Pecan Trees

  • At Lakeview pecans, container grown pecan trees result from grafting, known grafting material, onto growing rootstock after two years growing in containers.
  • To insure variety integrity, mature orchards at Lakeview provide almost all grafting material used for propagation.
  • Established two-year old rootstock helps to insure a strong root system and liveability.
  • Ample water supply provides for irrigation as needed.
  • Daily monitoring of root-zone moisture prevents excessive watering.
  • Irrigation system provides for foliar application of fertilizer or pesticides.
  • First year grafted trees are typically grown in 5-gallon containers.
  • Two-year old trees from grafting are transplanted into 7-gallon containers.
  • Trees reaching a minimum of three feet in height are most ideal for transplanting.
  • Nurserymen's objective is to develop a strong root system and to insure the graft union is well healed.
  • Transplanting at about three feet tall limits effect of bring rootbound in containers.
  • Transplant hole should be twice the width of rootball
  • If hard compacted soils, hole should about 6 inches deeper than rootball. About one-third potting soil should be mixed with native soils as hole is being filled
  • Tree should be planted same depth as soil in container
  • Depending on size of tree, some may have developed a circular tap root growth pattern
  • If that has occurred, the circular growth should be cut away.
  • Several secondary and smaller tap roots will develop to provide sufficient anchoring of the mature tree
  • When possible, the tap root should be straigthened and worked in the bottom of the hole, enlarging the hole if necessary
  • Generally, trees are very easily removed from pots
  • Place trees in center of hole to accomodate root spreading
  • Loosen soil and spread lateral roots as hole is being filled.
  • When hole is about two-thirds filled, apply about two gallons water to firm soil to remove air pockets.
  • Continue filling the hole and firmly tamp, avoiding breaking of feeder roots
  • Generally, fertilizers nor lime should be applied in planting hole. When soil analysis clearly show that soils are significantly under nourished, small amounts of lime and fertilizer in the planting hole may be needed
  • Leave slight depression around tree to facilitate watering.
  • Place collar around tree for herbicide protection.. Collar should remain for 3-4 years.
  • A vegetation free zone should be maintained around the tree.
  • If mulch is applied, limit to no more than three inches of decayed matter, pine straw, etc.
  • Ideally, two-thirds of tree height should be in canopy.
  • Trees need to be supported for the first several years to support the  expected rapid growth. Half-inch conduit will be sufficient.
  • Vertical growth should be limited to 12-18 inches annually.
  • Removal of excessive growth will divert energy to caliper development.
  • On healthy growth, the topmost bud will quickley break and become the new central leader.
  • Picture at left shows desired rate of growth in 5 gallon and 7 gallon container grown trees.
  • These are the ideal size container grown trees for transplanting.
  • Larger sizes will suffer from root-bound.

Container grown trees grow rapidly, reaching 2-3 feet of new growth each year. Trees should be supported during first few years as protection against strong winds. Trees should be lightly fertilized (single handful of 10-10-10) first of April, May, June and July for the first 2-3 years. After that, fertilizeration should be based on soil test results. If that is not done, then apply one-half pound of 10-10-10 per inch of trunk diamenter.

Soil moisture is very important for the first five years from planting. During periods of drought stress, apply approx. three to five gallons of water to each tree weekly, depending on soil composition. If soils are sandy through the root zone, more may be needed, if soils are mostly clay where leaching does not occur as rapidly, less will be needed. Do not over-water. Trees can drown. Tree roots need oxygen in addition to water. A thorough saturation of root zone once a week  is sufficient.