Pruning Experts -
Any thoughts on how to prune this Kanza pecan graft on a seedling N pecan? The smaller non-leader branch is in a better position/angle, but I’d like to leave the leader as it is more vigorous and I expect after one or two years it will straighten out just fine. I’d like to pick the option that sets the tree back the least (or sets it up best to take off next spring) if there’s a likely difference.
Thx
-Pete
I planted a pecan seedling 25 years ago which had an S loop in the stem. I expected to have to coppice it to get a straight stem. Imagine my surprise 2 years later when I saw it was nearly vertical. After 3 more years, it was arrow straight. So what am I saying? A pecan tree will naturally straighten over time. You can easily cut the smaller stem and let the large stem straighten over time.
Thank you Darrel - that’s what I suspected but didn’t know for sure. I’ll trim that smaller one and look forward to seeing some serious growth out of that leader next season.
-Pete
Put a stake up by it and train it to the stake. It will be vertical in 2 years. I should take this advice more often. Pecans benefit from growing with stakes to train the leader.
