The Importance of Spraying and Caring for Pecan Trees

If you are a pecan lover, then you know the incredible taste of Louisiana pecans. You may also be an enthusiast who knows what it takes to plant, care for, and maintain a pecan tree. Pecan trees are a host for many different diseases and pest problems, so if this isn't taken care of, then you may risk losing the pecan tree.

The Size of Pecan Trees

If you plant a young pecan tree in your backyard, then you may need to wait almost a decade before you can enjoy fresh Louisiana pecans from it. Pecan trees can actually live for up to three centuries; even more when properly taken care of. They can grow to be over 100 feet tall, and they have a canopy that can extend up to ten feet, so if you don't have a large yard, then planting a pecan tree is not a good idea.

Pecan Tree Diseases

Pecans thrive in southern climates and especially so in the US Department of Agriculture's plant hardiness zones 6 through 9. Hot, humid summers, however, mean that your tree can experience a number of fungal diseases that it wouldn't contend with in a drier climate. These diseases won't necessarily kill the tree, but it will affect their health and crop. Scab is one of the most common diseases. This disease only attacks the pecan leaves and leaves the mature leaves alone. The scab can affect the nuts if not treated. To treat this disease, the pecan trees need to be sprayed with a fungicide.

Spraying Pecan Trees

A fungicide with the active ingredient propiconazole is recommended for scab disease. If your tree is large, you may need to hire a professional because most traditional spray equipment will only reach a height of thirty feet. In addition to the fungicide, you should also spray your pecan trees for zinc deficiencies. This is much more common for backyard pecan trees. Finally, you should also spray for pests because they can attract a good variety of them, and they can effectively destroy your nut crop. To get rid of pests, spray the trees with carbaryl at bud break and then repeat this process several more times during the season to keep the pests away and your tree in good health. In the meantime, if you want some fresh Louisiana pecans to snack on while your tree works on its own crop, there are plenty of tasty options available for your enjoyment.