Pecan trees are a Southern staple—majestic, long-living, and loaded with sweet, buttery nuts. But like all great things, they take time to grow—and their first summer in the ground is a critical chapter in that story. Heat, drought, and transplant shock can threaten even the healthiest trees if they’re not cared for correctly.
If you’ve recently planted a young pecan tree, here are the top 5 summer care tips to help it settle in and set roots for a lifetime of harvests.
1. 💦 Focus on Deep Hydration, Not Daily Sprinkling
When it comes to watering, quality beats frequency:
- Water 2–3 times per week, especially in sandy or fast-draining soils
- Give each tree a deep soak, reaching at least 8–10 inches into the ground
- Avoid shallow watering—it promotes weak surface roots
💡 Plant with Soil Moist Transplant Crystals to store moisture near the roots and reduce the risk of drought stress between waterings.
2. 🍂 Mulch Isn’t Optional—It’s Essential
A protective mulch layer keeps things steady in a fluctuating summer environment:
- Use 2–4 inches of pine bark, straw, or wood chips around the base
- Keep mulch 3–5 inches away from the trunk to avoid trapping moisture against the bark
- It regulates soil temperature, retains moisture, and keeps weeds at bay
🌱 Over time, mulch also boosts soil fertility as it breaks down.
3. ☀️ Know When to Offer Shade
Pecans love the sun—once they’re established. But baby trees can burn if exposed too soon:
- Use shade cloth or garden fabric during long stretches of 90°F+ days
- Container-grown trees can be moved to morning sun and afternoon shade
- If your leaves are turning crispy or curling, it’s time for a break from direct sun
🛡️ A few weeks of protection now can add years to your tree’s health.
4. 🐛 Keep Pests and Disease in Check
Pecan trees can attract pests like aphids, webworms, and scale—especially when stressed:
- Inspect leaves and stems weekly for chewing, discoloration, or sticky residue
- Prune off any problem areas and keep the area around the tree clean and weed-free
- Treat organically only if pest levels become noticeable
👀 Catching issues early saves energy (and your tree) in the long run.
5. 🚫 Don’t Get Fertilizer Happy
Feeding a stressed-out tree can do more harm than good:
- Avoid applying nitrogen-heavy fertilizer during summer heat
- If you didn’t fertilize in early spring, skip it until fall
- Overfeeding can lead to soft growth that’s easily burned or broken
🌿 Let your pecan tree focus on root development and structural strength—not rapid top growth.
🛒 Where’s the Best Place to Buy Bare Root Pecan Trees?
Looking for a great start? Get your tree from a nursery that offers more than just plants.
Ty Ty Plant Nursery, LLC is your go-to for pecan trees and more:
✅ Lowest prices on premium bare root nut trees
✅ Non-GMO, zone-appropriate varieties
✅ Fast, reliable shipping right to your door
✅ Free 1-Year Plantsurance™ Guarantee – store credit if your tree doesn’t survive 🛡️
With Ty Ty, you get zero stress and all success—from planting day to harvest season.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Pecan trees are worth the wait—but your efforts this first summer will make all the difference. Water deep, mulch well, keep an eye out for stress, and hold back on fertilizer until your tree is ready.
When you’re ready to grow a pecan tree that thrives, start with Ty Ty Plant Nursery, LLC—we’ll help you do it right from day one.


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