How to Care for Pecan Trees in Louisiana
Nurseries in Louisiana carry a variety of pecan trees, not all of them adapted to growing in the state, according to agriculturists with Louisiana State University. Look for varieties that are resistant to scab disease, which can be a problem in Louisiana. Pecan varieties to consider include Candy, Elliott and Sumner. Another factor to consider when growing your Louisiana pecan tree is that it requires another pecan tree within 1/4 mile for cross-pollination. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Rid the soil, within a 3-foot radius of the pecan tree, of weeds. Keep the area weed-free to reduce competition for water and soil nutrients.
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Provide the pecan tree with the appropriate amount of water for its age. For the first year, give the pecan tree a gallon of water a day. Mature trees require 100 gallons of water, except in the hot Louisiana summer when you should provide it with 250 gallons a day.
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Fertilize the first-year pecan tree in June, with 1/2 lb. of ammonium sulfate. If the weather is particularly warm in your area of Louisiana in June, apply the fertilizer early in the morning or late in the day. If your tree is not growing quickly, don't fertilize it. Mature trees require 1 cup of 21-0-0 fertilizer per inch of pecan tree trunk diameter. Apply the fertilizer in April, May and June by scattering it beneath the tree, at the drip-line. Water the tree as you normally do to soak the fertilizer into the soil.
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Prevent pecan tree zinc deficiency, which is common in Louisiana pecans. Spray the tree's foliage, with a solution containing 4 tsp. liquid zinc nitrate and 1 gallon of water, until it is dripping. Make the first application at the first sign of foliage and repeat the application every two weeks until the first week in June. Don't spray the tree during the hottest part of the day as it can burn the leaves.
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