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     Promotes the products, culture and communities that call Texas home.

Eastland, Texas - www.eastlandtexas.com
     Official city guide to Eastland and information about Eastland County.

Texas Department of Agriculture - www.tda.state.tx.us
     Diversified state agency that provides a value-added service through marketing and regulatory services.

 

RESOURCES

PECAN PLANTING OBSERVATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS
     Your first consideration in planting is determining if your soil and site are suitable. Some factors to consider are - Is my soil well drained? Are large trees nearby which will compete for moisture, nutrients and sunlight? Is my soil a good pecan soil? Are pecans in immediate area growing in a similar soil type? Will the site allow for air movement around the tree and not be a trap for moist and/or cold air?
We urge our customers to be ready for the trees when they arrive.
     The trees are packed at our nursery to maintain moisture in the root zone. If you are not able to plant upon arrival, check for moisture around roots, add water if necessary and reseal package. If weather is extremely cold, hold in an insulated building or straw covered in a barn or shed. (Keep roots of pecan trees covered and moist while planting.)
     Hole size will be determined by tree size. Usually a 10" diameter hole is sufficient for a 3-4' tree. Trees 7-8' may require 3' holes 16" across. We recommend that the side roots be trimmed to fit the above size holes. We like for the base of the root to rest on firm soil and the tree be planted at the same depth as grown in the nursery row. It is acceptable to plant 1/2" deeper, but do not allow any of the root to be showing after planting. Replace soil which was removed from hole and pack and water the loose soil around roots. If the hole cannot be dug as deep as the length of the taproot, cut off the bottom of the taproot so that the tree is planted at the proper depth. Some growers with heavy soils prefer to cut the tap root to a short length of 12-18". Some growers also prefer to remove 1/3 of the top when planting pecan trees.
     For many years peat moss has been recommended as a planting addition for heavy soils. Most commercial growers now agree pecan trees transplant better when soil which is removed from the hole is returned to the hole along with the tree roots. The peat moss addition will create a much looser soil texture around roots as compared to the surrounding soil. This condition will increase the possibility that the hole will become waterlogged and the pecan roots will sour before growth begins.
     Do not be anxious to form the perfect shaped tree. We like a "trashy trunk" i.e., a trunk with many small branches. This growth on the tree trunk helps the tree become re-established and will also hasten trunk diameter growth. A long, slim trunk with only a bit of top growth is subject to sunscald and winter injury. The "trashy trunk" can be gradually removed in 2-3 years as the tree becomes re-established.
     In selecting branches to serve as permanent limbs, keep in mind
that the wide angle branches are the strongest. Limbs which form a
narrow crotch are weak and will usually split at the weak crotch.

CAUSES OF PECAN TREE         
TRANSPLANTING FAILURE         
1.  Lack of soil drainage.                                         
2.  Failure to settle soil around roots.                      
3.  Lack of water & failure to control weeds.           
4.  Too much water - This is especially a problem  
when soil drainage is poor.
5.  Fertilizer used in hole with newly planted tree.
6.  Allowing roots to dry during transplanting.        
7.  Herbicide damage.                                             

PEACHES, APRICOTS, NECTARINES, APPLES AND PLUMS
     The roots on these trees should be trimmed so as not to be bent around when set. Trim branches back to about 6 inches. When the branches start growth, select 3 or 4 branches and keep the others cut off.
     Holes for fruit trees are not required to be more than 1 foot deep and foot across. Plant the tree back to where they were growing in the nursery row.
     It is important to water these trees after planting to settle the soil around the roots. Many growers prefer to remove 1/2 of the top when planting fruit trees.

ROSES
     1 to 2 year old container grown plants. When received, they will have been taken out of the container. Prepare the bed or rows by spading up well. Place root ball at ground level or a little above. Back fill with soil and water thoroughly. Mulch will help to cool roots during periods of hot weather.

BLACKBERRIES
     We like to plant berry plants about 1 inch deeper than they grew in the nursery row because of the tops being trimmed for packing and shipping. The thorny varieties will only have a small amount of tip exposed. The thornless blackberries will have about 3-4 inches of cane sticking out of the ground. Plant about 4 foot apart in row. Have rows at least 12 foot apart. Keep moist until plants start growth. A mulch will help.

BLACKBERRY ROOT CUTTINGS
     Lay root cuttings horizontally in a 2-4 inch deep trench. Water in well and cover with soil. Mulch the area lightly to conserve moisture.

GRAPES
     Grapes will mostly come untrimmed, just as they were in the nursery row. Some varieties will be pre-trimmed for planting. To prune a grape for planting, remove the top growth back to a single spur with 3 or 4 fussy end nodes. Trim the roots back to about 3 or 4 inches.
     Plant the grape to the same depth as it was growing in the nursery row. The hole will need to be approximately 6 inches across and about 8 inches deep. Pack the soil around the roots and water thoroughly, to remove the air pockets from the hole. Plant grapes 8 - 12 ft. apart in rows, and plant your rows 12 - 15 ft. apart.