deciduous tree
Pecan: pruning, storm risk and removal
Carya illinoinensis. Also called Pecan tree.
Plain-English notes for homeowners, plus field notes for tree crews. General guidance only: for one specific tree, have a local insured pro look at it.
Pecan at a glance
| Height | 70-100 ft, sometimes taller |
|---|---|
| Spread | 40-75 ft |
| Growth rate | Medium |
| USDA zones | 5-9 |
| Lifespan | typically 150-300 years |
| Type | Deciduous |
| Native range | The south-central United States, mainly the Mississippi River valley and river bottoms in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, and north into Illinois, Iowa and Kentucky. It is widely planted for nuts across the South. |
| Roots | A deep taproot that makes the tree strong in wind and hard to transplant, with wide spreading side roots. Roots can be damaged by trenching and soil fill. |
| Wood | Hard, heavy and strong. It is used for furniture, flooring and tool handles. As firewood it is excellent, with high heat, and it is popular for smoking meat. |
| Storm risk | mediumThe wood is strong, but large limbs on old trees can break in ice and high wind, and heavy nut crops add weight. Decay in old pruning wounds adds risk. |
Typical ranges, not guarantees. Soil, water, space and care change how a tree grows. Storm risk is our general rating for the species, not an inspection.
For homeowners
Caring for a pecan
Best time to prune
Prune in the dormant season. Young trees need training for a strong central leader and well spaced scaffold limbs. Remove dead and crossing branches on older trees.
Avoid pruning
Avoid topping and heavy cuts, which reduce nut crops and invite decay. Avoid removing too much of the crown in one year.
More on timing: when to prune trees.
- Pecans often bear heavily one year and lightly the next. This is normal.
- Water deeply in dry weather, especially during nut fill in late summer and fall. Drought stress reduces nut quality and can hurt the tree.
- Sticky honeydew and black sooty mold on leaves are often signs of aphids or scale. A local extension office can help with control.
- Do not trench or pile fill near the trunk. The root system is deep and easily harmed.
- Plant it with plenty of room. Pecans get large and need full sun.
Safety first
Do not climb a tree or use a chainsaw on storm-loaded or broken wood. If a tree or limb is touching power lines, stay away and call the utility. If someone is in danger, call 911. For anything big, hire a local insured pro: read how to hire a tree service and is my tree dangerous?
Lirevon does not do tree work. Find local pros on Google Maps and read their reviews, then get two or three written quotes.
For tree crews
Field notes: working on pecan
- 1Heavy limbs spread wide on old trees. Plan rigging and drop zones carefully.
- 2Pecan wood is dense and good firewood. Ask the customer whether they want logs kept.
- 3Check for dead limbs and decay at old pruning wounds before you climb.
- 4Fallen husks and nuts make the ground uneven and slippery.
- 5Webs from fall webworm can be pulled and bagged by hand on low branches.
Removal notes
Large pecans can be tall, wide and heavy, so expect rigging for limbs over buildings and fences. The wood is dense and valuable as firewood, and the customer may want it kept. Fallen nuts and husks make footing rough. Check for decay and dead limbs before any climb, and watch for wide spreading limbs near power lines.
Wood
Hard, heavy and strong. It is used for furniture, flooring and tool handles. As firewood it is excellent, with high heat, and it is popular for smoking meat.
Pricing this job? Try the tree job estimator. Follow your own safety plan and crew training on every job.
Common problems for pecan
Pests and diseases to watch for. Each link explains signs and what to do.
Trees often mistaken for it
Check the leaves, bark and shape before you decide how to prune or treat.
Where pecan grows
Native range: The south-central United States, mainly the Mississippi River valley and river bottoms in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, and north into Illinois, Iowa and Kentucky. It is widely planted for nuts across the South.
Common in these US regions. Tap one to see other trees there.
Free tools for this tree
They run in your browser and nothing is sent anywhere. Results are estimates.
Pecan: common questions
Why does my pecan tree skip a year of nuts?
Many pecan trees bear heavily one year and lightly the next. This is called alternate bearing. Good watering, thinning and care can make it less extreme.
How long until a pecan tree makes nuts?
It varies with the type of tree. Grafted trees may start producing in about 4 to 8 years, while trees grown from seed can take much longer. Good care speeds up bearing.
What are the web nests in my pecan tree?
They are often fall webworm nests, which show up in late summer and early fall. The caterpillars rarely kill a healthy tree, but they can eat a lot of leaves.
Is pecan good firewood?
Yes, it is a very good firewood with high heat and a pleasant smell. It is also popular for smoking meats. Season it well before burning.
Why is my pecan dropping green nuts?
Heavy drop can be natural thinning, but drought, heat, pests or poor pollination can also cause it. If drop is very heavy, ask your extension office for help.
How big will a pecan tree get?
It typically reaches 70 to 100 feet tall with a wide crown. Plant it well away from houses, pools and power lines.
More trees in the same regions
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