This 1 gallon tree is 2 feet tall.

Description: Pecan trees (Carya illinoinensis) are large deciduous trees native to North America, primarily found in the southern United States. They are valued for their delicious nuts, which are a staple in many culinary dishes and desserts. Pecan trees have a spreading canopy with dark green, compound leaves composed of numerous leaflets. The trees are monoecious, meaning they have separate male and female flowers on the same tree, and they produce wind-pollinated catkins. The nuts mature inside a thick, round husk, which splits open to reveal the edible pecans inside.

Size: Pecan trees are known for their impressive size and stature. When fully mature, they can reach heights of 70 to 100 feet tall, with a spread of 40 to 75 feet or more. However, the size of a 1-gallon sapling is much smaller, typically ranging from 1 to 2 feet in height. Over time, with proper care and growing conditions, the tree will gradually increase in size and canopy spread.

Best Growing Zones: Pecan trees thrive in USDA hardiness zones 6 through 9, although some cultivars can tolerate zones 5 and 10 under certain conditions. These zones include a broad swath of the southern United States, including states like Texas, Oklahoma, Georgia, Alabama, and beyond. Pecans prefer a long growing season with hot summers and mild winters. They require a certain number of chilling hours (hours below a certain temperature) during the winter to set fruit properly.

Soil Preferences: Pecan trees prefer deep, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. They are adaptable to a variety of soil types, including sandy loam, clay loam, and silt loam, but they perform best in deep, fertile soils with good drainage. The soil pH should ideally be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.

Sunlight Requirements: Pecan trees are sun-loving plants that require full sun exposure to thrive and produce abundant crops of nuts. They should be planted in a location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Care: Proper care of pecan trees includes regular watering, especially during dry periods and when the tree is young and establishing its root system. Mulching around the base of the tree can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Pecan trees also benefit from annual fertilization and occasional pruning to remove dead or diseased branches and maintain a strong, open canopy structure.