How to Care for Papershell Pecan Trees

Plant pecan trees well away from buildings and power lines. Pecans need to be at least 60 feet from other trees because of their eventual tall growth and spread.

Dig a hole for a pecan tree at the same depth in which it grew at the nursery. Because pecan trees love water, dig a reservoir about 3 feet in diameter and a foot deep--enough to hold at least 10 gallons of water at each watering.

Mulch the tree at its base with at least 2 inches of dry leaves, straw, wood chips, sawdust or compost to help the roots stay moist.

Water young trees weekly with at least 5 gallons of water or an inch of water in the reservoir.

Fertilize the tree after taking a soil sample. If you cannot test the soil, use about a pound of 10-10-10 nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus (NPK) fertilizer in a 25-square-foot area around the tree. This should be done right after planting in the spring and again in midsummer. Water immediately after fertilizing.

Fertilize the tree again the following February with 4 lbs. of 10-10-10 NPK fertilizer for each inch of trunk diameter measured 1 foot above the ground, according to the Clemson University Extension Service. Fertilizer should never be placed within 12 inches of the tree trunk nor placed in the planting hole.

Apply 1 lbs. of zinc sulfate to young trees and 3 to 5 lbs. for large trees each year. Zinc is important for the production of pecans. Trees that lack zinc will not grow properly nor produce well.