How Many Pecan Trees to Plant per Acre

When it comes to planting pecan trees, one of the most important questions to address is how many trees to plant per acre. This is crucial because the number of trees planted will determine the overall yield and profitability of the pecan orchard. In this article, we will discuss the factors to consider when determining the number of pecan trees to plant per acre.

Factors to Consider

Several factors need to be considered when determining the number of pecan trees to plant per acre. These include:

1. Soil Type

The soil type in the orchard location plays a significant role in determining the number of pecan trees to plant per acre. For instance, if the soil is sandy, fewer trees should be planted per acre, as the soil is less capable of holding nutrients and water. On the other hand, if the soil is rich in nutrients, more trees can be planted per acre.

2. Rootstock

The rootstock determines the tree size and growth habit. When selecting the rootstock, it is important to consider the spacing requirements. As a general rule, smaller trees require fewer square feet per tree, while larger trees require more square feet per tree. Thus, the choice of rootstock will play a critical role in determining the number of trees to plant per acre.

3. Tree Spacing and Layout

The spacing between trees and the overall layout of the orchard will also impact the number of pecan trees to plant per acre. Generally, the closer the trees are to each other, the fewer trees can be planted per acre. The tree layout will determine the amount of space taken up by the trees and, subsequently, the number of trees that can be planted per acre.

Recommended Number of Pecan Trees per Acre

There is no exact number of pecan trees to plant per acre, as it varies depending on the factors discussed above. However, here are some general recommendations:

1. Spacing Requirements

The most widely-accepted pecan tree spacing is 30 feet between trees in the row and 60 feet between rows, resulting in about 48 trees per acre. This spacing allows room for tree growth and allows equipment to easily maneuver through the orchard for maintenance and harvesting.

2. Soil Type

If the soil is sandy, the spacing can be increased to 35 feet between trees and 70 feet between rows, resulting in about 32 trees per acre. If the soil is heavy and fertile, the spacing can be reduced to 25 feet between trees and 50 feet between rows, resulting in about 69 trees per acre.

Conclusion

Determining the number of pecan trees to plant per acre is a critical decision that can impact the profitability of an orchard for years to come. The factors to consider include soil type, rootstock, and tree spacing and layout. Ultimately, it is important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to determine the number of trees to plant per acre, and each orchard will require a unique approach to yield the maximum possible yield and profitability.