Planting pecan trees from bare root stock is an excellent, economical way to establish a beautiful pecan orchard or add an impressive, nut-producing shade tree to your landscape. Whether you’re planting pecan trees for commercial nut production, wildlife habitat, or simply to enjoy their majestic beauty, planting correctly from the start ensures vigorous growth, healthy development, and abundant nut yields for decades to come.

In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about planting bare root pecan trees—including essential growing requirements, site preparation, planting techniques, proper pruning methods, watering guidelines, and recommended planting supplies such as Nutra Pro 1st Year Fertilizer Packs, Soil Moist Transplant Mix, Weed Pro Weed Mats, and Max Growth Tree Shelters.

When you’re ready to buy, trust Ty Ty Plant Nursery, LLC for an unmatched selection of top-quality pecan varieties at low prices, backed by fast shipping and our unique One-Year Plantsurance Guarantee that provides store credit if your tree doesn’t survive the first year.

Let’s dive into the process!

Understanding Pecan Tree Growing Requirements

Before you start digging, it’s critical to understand what pecan trees require to thrive:

• USDA Growing Zones: Pecan trees flourish in USDA Hardiness Zones 5–9. Check your local zone to ensure your climate suits pecan growth.
• Sunlight: Pecans need full sun, meaning at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, for best growth and nut production.
• Soil Conditions: Ideally, plant pecan trees in deep, fertile, well-draining soil. Pecans prefer slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH around 6.0 to 7.0. Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged soils.
• Spacing: For maximum nut production, space your pecan trees approximately 40–60 feet apart. This spacing allows ample sunlight, air circulation, and room for mature growth.

Preparing Your Planting Site

Proper site preparation sets the foundation for your pecan tree’s success. Follow these steps for site preparation:

1. Clear the Area: Remove grass, weeds, rocks, and any debris from the planting area. Keep a minimum 5-foot radius clear around the planting site to minimize competition.
2. Soil Testing & Amendments: Conduct a simple soil test to determine your soil’s pH and fertility levels. Amend with organic matter or compost if needed, ensuring good drainage.
3. Digging the Hole: Dig a hole large enough to accommodate your pecan tree’s root system comfortably. Typically, a hole about twice the width and depth of the root system is ideal, approximately 24–36 inches wide and deep enough to accommodate roots without bending or crowding.

Planting Your Bare Root Pecan Tree Correctly

Proper planting technique is vital for healthy growth. Follow these planting steps:

Step 1: Soak Roots Before Planting

Before planting, soak the roots of your bare root pecan tree in water for 1–2 hours. This rehydrates the roots, greatly reducing transplant shock and encouraging quicker establishment.

Step 2: Positioning the Tree

Place your tree into the prepared hole. Spread the roots evenly and ensure the graft union (if grafted) remains at least 2–3 inches above the soil line. Adjust the soil beneath as needed to position correctly.

Step 3: Adding Nutrients and Moisture Retention

To give your pecan tree the best start, mix Soil Moist Transplant Mix into the soil around the roots. This additive retains moisture and reduces transplant shock. Additionally, place Nutra Pro 1st Year Fertilizer Packs in the planting hole, ensuring balanced nutrients immediately accessible to the developing roots.

Step 4: Backfill and Settle Soil

Fill in the planting hole gently yet firmly, eliminating air pockets around roots. Water slowly as you backfill to help the soil settle naturally around the root system.

Step 5: Weed Control & Tree Protection

After planting, apply Weed Pro Weed Mats around the base. This reduces competition from weeds and grasses for vital nutrients and moisture. Next, install Max Growth Tree Shelters to protect your young tree from pests, wildlife browsing, and harsh weather conditions. These shelters also encourage rapid upward growth.

Why & How to Prune Your Newly Planted Pecan Tree

One critical step many gardeners overlook is pruning bare root pecan trees at planting. Here’s why pruning matters—and how to do it properly:

Importance of Pruning by 1/3 at Planting

Pruning your pecan tree back by about one-third at planting reduces the stress placed on the roots. Since bare root trees typically lose root mass during harvesting, pruning balances the above-ground portion with the root system, improving survival rates significantly.

Additionally, pruning directs energy into robust root development, creating a stronger, healthier foundation. This initial pruning sets your pecan tree up for more vigorous growth in the coming seasons.

How to Prune at Planting:

• Using sharp pruning shears, trim approximately one-third of the top growth back evenly, shortening each main branch.
• Remove any broken, damaged, crossing, or dead branches.
• Shape the tree with an open structure to encourage airflow and sunlight penetration.

First-Year Maintenance for Optimal Growth

Consistent care throughout the first year ensures your pecan tree’s health, vigor, and future productivity.

Watering Guidelines

• Immediately After Planting: Water deeply to saturate soil thoroughly.
• First 1–2 Months: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water deeply every 5–7 days.
• Months 3–12: Gradually reduce frequency to a deep soaking once weekly, increasing frequency during drought or hot summer periods.

Fertilization with Nutra Pro 1st Year Fertilizer Packs

Nutra Pro 1st Year Fertilizer Packs provide precisely formulated nutrients that strengthen root establishment, encourage vigorous growth, and support overall tree health. Apply as directed, typically placing packs near roots during planting.

Weed Management with Weed Pro Weed Mats

Maintain Weed Pro Weed Mats around your tree throughout the first year to eliminate competition from weeds, ensuring maximum water and nutrient uptake by your pecan tree.

Tree Protection with Max Growth Tree Shelters

Max Growth Tree Shelters shield your pecan trees from harsh elements, wildlife browsing, and sunscald. Tree shelters also boost early growth by maintaining optimal humidity and temperature around the tree trunk.

Additional Care

• Regularly inspect trees for pests or diseases, treating promptly if necessary.
• Keep the area around the tree base weed-free, mulched, and protected from lawn equipment.

Why Choose Ty Ty Plant Nursery, LLC for Your Pecan Trees?

At Ty Ty Plant Nursery, LLC, we’re passionate about providing our customers with the highest quality pecan trees. Here’s why gardeners and orchardists choose us:

• Large Selection: We offer an extensive variety of pecan cultivars, ensuring you find the perfect tree for your climate and needs.
• Low Prices: Competitive pricing means you get great value without sacrificing quality.
• Fastest Shipping: Our quick turnaround times mean your trees arrive fresh, healthy, and ready to plant.
• Free One-Year Plantsurance Guarantee: We’re so confident in our products that if your tree doesn’t survive its first year, we’ll issue you a store credit free of charge, no hassle involved.

Order Your Bare Root Pecan Trees Today!

Planting pecan trees from bare root stock is rewarding and straightforward when you follow these essential guidelines. With proper preparation, planting techniques, pruning, and first-year care—including Nutra Pro 1st Year Fertilizer Packs, Soil Moist Transplant Mix, Weed Pro Weed Mats, and Max Growth Tree Shelters—your pecan tree will thrive and reward you with decades of abundant nut harvests.

Visit Ty Ty Plant Nursery, LLC online today to shop our extensive selection of pecan varieties at unbeatable prices. With our fast shipping and exclusive One-Year Plantsurance Guarantee, you can plant confidently, knowing your trees have the best possible start.

Happy planting!