03/04/2026
๐ณ March is a critical month for pecan tree care, marking the end of dormancy and the beginning of the growing season (budbreak). Key activities include fertilizing, planting new trees, monitoring for early pests, and applying zinc for healthy
๐ณ Here is a checklist of what to do for pecan trees in March:
1. Fertilize (March/April)
โข Nitrogen Application: Apply nitrogen-based fertilizers just before or during budbreak to support new growth.
โข Rate: For home trees, apply roughly 1/2 lb of ammonium nitrate (or similar) per 100 square feet under the dripline. Alternatively, use 1 lb of 10-10-10 per year of tree age (up to 10 lbs per tree).
โข Method: Spread fertilizer evenly under the canopy (the drip line), keeping it at least 12 inches away from the trunk to avoid damage.
โข Split Application: For better efficiency, consider splitting the fertilizer application, with the first half in March and the second in May/June.
2. Plant New Trees
โข Timing: Mid-February to March is the ideal time to plant bare-root trees while they are still dormant.
โข Procedure:
โฆ Dig a hole just deep enough for the roots, but wide enough to accommodate them without bending.
โฆ Trim the taproot to roughly 18-20 inches.
โฆ Set the tree 1 inch deeper than it was in the nursery.
โฆ Crucial Step: Prune off 1/3 to 1/2 of the top of the tree to balance the loss of roots.
โฆ Water well to eliminate air pockets.
3. Zinc Applications
โข Budbreak to Early Spring: As leaves begin to appear, zinc is essential for preventing rosette (a deficiency disease).
โข Foliar Spray: Apply zinc sulfate as a foliar spray (2 lbs of 36% zinc sulfate per 100 gallons of water) at budbreak and every 14 days through July for young trees.
โข Soil Application: If the soil pH is below 6.5, you can apply zinc sulfate to the soil at a rate of 1/2 lb per inch of trunk diameter.
4. Pruning and Training
โข Young Trees: Prune to establish a central leader and remove weak, narrow-angled crotches.
โข Established Trees: Remove dead, broken, or diseased branches.
โข Grafting: Maintain existing grafts by selecting a central leader and removing weak, competing, or crowded shoots.
5. Pest and Disease Management
โข Phylloxera: If you had problems with pecan phylloxera (small, rough galls on leaves/shoots) last year, apply a pesticide when tree growth begins (budbreak to 2 inches of shoot growth).
โข Equipment: Service sprayers and purchase necessary pesticides for the coming season.
6. Irrigation and Maintenance
โข Watering: If March is dry, begin watering newly planted trees to ensure they do not dry out.
โข W**d Control: Remove sod/weeds around the base of young trees to reduce competition.
โข Mulch: Apply 3-4 inches of mulch around the base of the tree (but not touching the trunk) to help retain moisture.
Note: For the best results, it is recommended to get a soil test and a leaf analysis from the previous July to guide your specific fertilization needs.