Dying Pecans--Help!

Clayr · Joined: 14 May 2004 Posts: 22 Location: Lowry Crossing, TX

Last fall, I put in four pecans--Apache, I think. We applied a bit of root stimulater when we put them into the ground, but otherwise, just watered them to promote early growth; and I've spread mulch around, but left a good "pool" around the trunks. They prospered through the spring. They're quite a ways out from the house and don't receive routine sprinkler watering; however, we had such a wet spring, more than 6" of rain in the last two weeks of June, so, following the conventional wisdom of not overwatering, I've pretty much left them alone. As of last week this time, they were green and apparently growing. (around 7' tall, on average, but still saplings). Yesterday, I noticed some browning on one of them, and I checked up close, and sure enough, the largest of them is turning brown. Brown, brittle leaves and stems. The leaves seem to be dying from the tips backward.

I'm watering as I write; but I'm not sure watering is enough. Can I save these? I'm too old to wait for too long!

Help?

PS: Soil is black clay, very thick and exposing cracks you could lose a small child in--owing to lack of rain.

The Ent · Joined: 19 Mar 2003 Posts: 784 Location: ,

I'd blame the lasck of water, yes. They had gotten used to the mild first half of summer and plety of rain.

Remember that the first year in the ground is stressful for all transplanted trees.

Keep them decently watered and if you're worried, a bit of lavasand and greensand applied in their area would help.

Clayr · Joined: 14 May 2004 Posts: 22 Location: Lowry Crossing, TX

Thanks. I'm continuing a steady but not overdone watering program. Two questions: What does lavasand/greensand do? Where does one purchase this?

Tricky Grama · Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 7:17 am Post subject: pecan trees

Clayr-
I think the lava sand & green sand amends the hard black clay, among other things-probably some nutrients. If you have compost, a top dressing of an inch or more would really help too. We did the whole 'sick tree treatment' on a big pretty cedar elm that looked like it was on its last leg & it's looking good. I got all the ingredients at a feed store-Wells Bros. But in your area I'd look in the yellow pages for feed stores & call to see who has the right stuff. Good luck!
Plano Patty