Agriculture & Natural Resources

Preparing For Next Years Pecan Harvest
For homeowners in Monroe County Georgia, the winter dormant season is not a break from gardening. Rather, it's the most critical time for pecan tree management. Work performed between December and late February directly dictates the health of the tree and the quality of the nuts harvested the following fall. While native pecan trees can live for up to 300 years, the economic lifespan for a commercial orchard will be shorter. Given the warm, humid climate of the Southeast, Georgia pecan trees face unique challenges, primarily the persistent threat of pecan scab and the common issue of zinc and nickel deficiency.
Improving overall tree health is key. This means that the trees are set up for the best possible nutrient uptake, while having the least exposure to disease possible. Following these three maintenance objectives are the best tasks to help set you up for an improved harvest.
1. Structural Pruning: Building for Sun and Wind
Pruning is essential for developing a strong, resilient tree, which is particularly important in a climate where heavy rain and windstorms are common. The late winter (January to mid-February), before bud break, is the perfect time for this work. Tree pruning and training are far easier when working with smaller, younger trees. If you are going to have large trees pruned be sure to consult a professional that has the skill and equipment to do the job safely.
• Establish a Strong Core: Focus on training the tree to a central leader system—one main, upright trunk. Remove any competing branches that grow vertically alongside it. This structure improves load capacity for heavy nut loads and helps mitigate wind damage.
• Remove Weak Angles: Pecan trees are prone to developing narrow "V-shaped" branch crotches (angles less than 45 degrees). These are structurally weak and can split under stress. Selectively remove the weaker limb at the narrow angle, leaving only branches that grow outward at a wider, more stable angles.
• Open the Canopy: Thin the interior of the tree to ensure sunlight and air can penetrate deep into the canopy. Good airflow is your first line of defense against fungal diseases like pecan scab. Remove all dead, broken, or crossing branches that restrict circulation. Always make clean, smooth cuts close to the main trunk or branch collar to encourage rapid wound healing.
2. Sanitation: The Fight Against Pecan Scab
Even if you are not able to perform the first task, you should still do the steps 2 & 3. Pecan scab, caused by the fungus Cladosporium caryigenum, is the most destructive disease for pecans in the Southeast. It overwinters on old leaves, and on infected nut shucks that remain on the tree or the ground. A single act of thorough winter sanitation is one of the most effective non-chemical ways to control pecan scab.
• Rake and Destroy Debris: Completely clear the ground beneath the canopy. Rake and bag, and remove every pecan shuck, leaf, and twig from your property, or burn it (where permitted). Composting debris is not an option, as the fungal spores can survive the composting process. Removing the debris dramatically reduces the amount of disease that carries over into the next growing season.
• Apply Dormant Oil: Between late January and mid-February, apply a dormant oil spray to smother overwintering pests such as scale insects and pecan phylloxera (which cause galls on leaves and stems). Ensure the temperature is above 40 degrees for at least 24 hours after application. Target the main trunk and all the visible branch surfaces, ensuring complete coverage to suffocate the hibernating insects and their eggs before they become active at bud break. Once again, the smaller and younger the trees are the easier this is. If you a small grove of well-established pecan trees and oil spray will likely be very difficult and/or cost prohibitive due to the size and type of spray application equipment required. Remember to always follow label rates when applying any type of horticultural chemical.
3. Soil and Zinc Preparation
Pecans are heavy feeders, and the soils common in Central Georgia often lack adequate zinc, which is vital for new shoot and leaf development—the structures that bear nuts. A zinc deficiency, known as "pecan rosette," can cause dramatic yield loss. “Mouse ear” is another deficiency in pecan caused by the lack of nickel. Malformed leaves, decreased flowering, and tree organ dwarfing all lead to decreased nut yield.
• Test Your Soil: Use the dormant season to send a soil sample to your local UGA Extension office for testing. This will give you a detailed report on your soil pH and nutrient levels, allowing you to tailor your fertilizer program precisely.• Plan Your Zinc Application: Soil application of zinc and nickel are not recommended. Instead, foliar application allows tree leaves to absorb micronutrients and readily use them. While the actual spraying must wait until the tree breaks dormancy and new leaves are about one-third grown (typically March or April in Georgia), preparing your supplies and calendar now is essential. By planning ahead, you ensure that nutrients are applied when the tree is actively growing, and can absorb them efficiently, maximizing its positive impact on the upcoming nut-filling stage.