Last updated on July 10th, 2026 at 01:07 pm
These Tips Are for Backyard Landscapes and Small Pecan Orchards
Types of pecan trees. The information below is intended for homeowners growing one or more pecan trees in a backyard landscape or a small home orchard. Commercial pecan orchards often use different irrigation, fertilization, and management practices.
Pecan trees are monoecious, which means each tree produces both male and female flowers. However, the male and female flowers usually do not mature at the same time on the same tree. Because of this, most pecan varieties need pollen from a different pecan variety to produce the best crop.
For the highest yields, plant at least two compatible pecan varieties that bloom at slightly different times so they can cross-pollinate each other. If you live in an area where many mature pecan trees are already growing, such as older neighborhoods or agricultural regions, nearby trees may provide enough pollen for successful pollination.
Don’t expect a newly planted pecan tree to produce a heavy crop right away. Many grafted pecan trees begin producing a small number of nuts within 2 to 3 years after planting. As the tree becomes larger and more established, production increases significantly. By the fourth or fifth year, you can expect a much larger harvest, provided the tree receives proper watering, fertilization, sunlight, and pollination.
Pecan Tree Life Span
Pecan trees are among the longest-living shade trees you can plant. When grown in the right location and given proper care, they can live for 200 to 300 years. These majestic trees need plenty of room to spread, deep well-drained soil, full sun, and consistent watering, especially during their early years. Regular pruning, occasional fertilization, and protection from pests and diseases will help keep a pecan tree healthy for generations. With good care, a pecan tree can provide cooling shade and an abundant harvest of delicious nuts for decades, making it a valuable investment for your landscape.
Western Schley
The Western Schley is one of the most popular pecan varieties grown in the Desert Southwest. It has proven itself over the years to be one of the best choices for homeowners because it tolerates our hot, dry climate better than many other pecan varieties. If you’re planting a pecan tree in southern New Mexico, West Texas, Arizona, or the desert regions of Southern California, Western Schley should be near the top of your list.
Western Schley is known for producing high-quality pecans with thin shells that crack easily, making them a favorite for fresh eating and baking. It also begins producing nuts at a relatively young age compared to many other pecan trees. Under good growing conditions, you can expect light production within a few years, with harvests increasing as the tree matures.
Although Western Schley is partially self-fertile, you will produce a much larger and more dependable crop by planting a second compatible pecan variety nearby. Cross-pollination greatly improves nut production and helps ensure a consistent harvest from year to year.
Another reason Western Schley is so widely planted is its excellent heat tolerance. It thrives during the long, hot summers of the Southwest and performs well in low-humidity climates where many other fruit and nut trees struggle. Once established, it is well adapted to desert conditions, although it will still require deep, regular irrigation during the growing season to produce large, high-quality pecans.
If you have the space for a large shade tree that also produces delicious nuts, Western Schley remains one of the best pecan varieties for the Desert Southwest.
The photo below is of a young Western Schley Pecan tree; it can also double as a shade tree. It does well in the colder Texas Panhandle and southwest region. It usually ripens in late October and early November.
Where to Plant Pecan Trees
They should be planted in a large area, giving them room to grow. Plant them at least 20ft. away from any type of dwelling, as the root system does become a problem when the tree is fully mature. Do not plant near electrical lines, as this might impede their growth when it comes time to prune. The Western Schley Pecan, after its fourth season, is a heavy bearer of pecans.
How many pecans does a mature tree yield?
One healthy mature pecan tree will yield about 50-75 lbs. of pecans. The going rate for the average pecan grower in the southwest area is about $1.20 per lb. (2023).
Types of pecan trees
Burkett – This pecan is a medium to large, round,d softshell nut. It is a rich, distinctive-flavored kernel. It is a large tree and ripens in late September and through early November. It does well in arid climates. The Burkett Pecan is a good, hardy pecan for the southwestern states. Large, round, thin shell and excellent taste. The root system is invasive but grows to about 30 ft. tall and wide. Plant pecan trees at least 20ft. from a dwelling and/or cement.
Cheyenne – This is a medium softshell with an excellent flavor. It produces fruit early in the season – mid-September. It can pollinate other pecan varieties. It loves the southern humid and arid climates, including the east and west regions. It is semi-self-fertile.
Mahan – A very large softshell kernel. This pecan bears heavily at an early age and is also a good shade tree. It prefers arid, warm winter climates. It ripens in mid-November.
Mohawk – Exceptionally large softshell, also a heavy bearer when young. It does very well in the Southwest and Southeast regions. It is an extremely attractive tree and excellent for a large backyard. Ripens in late October or early November.
Chocktaw – One of the larger pecan trees. The nut looks a lot like the Western Schley and is thin-shelled but large. It does need a pollinator, and the best one to use is the Western Schley.
Pawnee – This pecan tree was bred to produce large pecans. The shell can easily be removed, thus making it easier to extract the fruit. It does grow straighter and narrower, making it easier to plant 2 or more trees in a small area.
Hardy Pecan – The Hardy Pecan tree, Carya illinoinensis, is a beautiful, majestic tree that grows to a height of 70 to 100 feet with a spread of 40 to 75 feet. The tree has low, wide-spreading branches. It provides a lot of sweet edible fruits and lots of summer shade after reaching maturity.
Hardy Pecan trees have moderate water requirements and a moderate tolerance to salt and alkaline soils. This deciduous, hardy, shade/pecan tree is ideal for lawns because it does not shed its leaves until late fall, and it is practically immune to insect attack. It is a late bearer of pecans right around 10-12 years after initial planting, it starts to produce nuts.
Growing Pecan Tree Tips
Remember, pecan trees need ample chill hours to produce a good crop. A good rule of thumb is to count the number of hours between November 1st and February 15th that are between 32 f. and 45 f.
These hours are cumulative and not continuous. In the Las Cruces, NM area, we normally have over 1,000 chill hours. Harvest time is usually after the first good, hard freeze in the southwest.
You should plant pecans about 2″ deeper than normal to allow for the settling of the soil. Water every day for the first 2 weeks when planting any tree, and use a good root stimulator to stimulate root growth. If leaves start to turn yellowish, it is time to fertilize.
If your tree is not bearing fruit or the fruit is small, you need a fertilizer with ZINC and nitrogen. Dead twigs on the tops of trees, small nuts, and yellowing of leaves are indications of ZINC and nitrogen deficiency.
Pecan trees can also be used as attractive shade trees. Learn more about shade trees right here. Shade Trees. Most varieties of pecan trees will do better with a pollinator. It is best to plant two types of pecan trees for pollination purposes.
Are Pecan Trees Susceptible to insects and diseases?
Yes, they are. Aphids and the black pecan aphid will attack these trees. Do not use a systemic insecticide to kill these pests. It is recommended to use insecticide sprays to remove them.
Check your local nursery for fruit/pecan tree fertilizer. Keep your pecan tree free of insects and diseases. Physically inspect your tree(s) on a weekly basis. Remove grass and weeds under the tree canopy. Always plant so the root is buried in the original soil line or landscape.
For large mature trees, it might be best to hire a legitimate tree spraying service. Also, powdery mildew can damage the leaves, but it is rare throughout the Southwest.
The Pecan Weevil
Pecan weevils are a big problem in the southern part of the U.S., but they rarely infect trees in the Southwestern states.
According to Wikipedia, the following area is considered the Southwest. The pecan weevil is also native to the eastern U.S. from Texas to Georgia.
The Southwestern United States (also known as the American Southwest) is the informal name for a region of the western United States. Definitions vary a great deal and have never been standardized–and many have been proposed. For example, it might include the stretch from east of Los Angeles to El Paso, and from the Mexican border to south of Denver.
Read more on how to protect your trees from the pecan weevil. Read this article in the Las Cruces Bulletin.
Types of Pecan Trees
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Paul Guzman is a lifelong Southwest gardener and gardening writer with decades of experience helping homeowners grow beautiful landscapes in the desert Southwest. He writes for Guzman’s Garden Centers in Las Cruces, New Mexico, with contributing expertise from Gary Guzman, owner of Guzman’s Garden Centers. If you have any questions or enjoyed this post, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
