Received four pecan trees today from Womack. 3-4ft size @$47.25 each and $36.30 shipping total 241.51 with taxes. Trees are bigger than I was expecting. The roots made me rethink my puny holes. I got two planted today with very little root pruning, none off the bottom. Varieties Pawnee, Oconee, Nacono, and Lakota to go along with Kanza bought locally and my big tree that may be Desirable.
I bought these primarily to improve pollination. The Desirable hasn’t been setting well since some nearby pecans were removed.
I do have an issue with the Lakota tree. I’ll post pictures tomorrow and see what you think. There appears to be significant bark damage near soil level. I hate to ask for another tree because it will take out all his profit on this transaction and they are great looking trees other than this issue.
The Lakota is second from the left. If you blow up the picture the area of concern is ~4-6 inches above the top root just below the crock to the right near soil level.
I could only enlarge that so much on my phone, but it looks insect damaged. So does the one next to it on the right, but there’s a big hole in the one you mentioned, isn’t there? Going about half way through?
How do you do planting deep tap rooted trees like that and getting them to live after transplanting? Any special treatment of the hole or mycorrhizae?
Thank you for your input. There is no hole just missing bark. But that can’t be seen in that picture. I’ll post close ups tomorrow. The next one to the right is a bit wonky. But I think it’s nothing serious.
I just dug a big hole deep enough that the tree sets right on solid ground so it won’t settle after planting. From there it’s just watering, some fertilizer, and weed control. I’ll form a basin around the tree to hold water and cover that with mulch. Growth will likely be slow the first year. Some trees like pecan put a lot into root growth during the early years. Less so into top growth. Those are massive tap roots and most was cut off when they were dug.
If the tree survives the transplanting the damage will heal over. If the top doesn’t make it there is chance the root will sprout again for you to graft to. I prefer those larger trees when it comes to taproots. They have more energy stored for a little bit greater odds of survival.
Looks like necrosis in the graft. IMO, it is highly likely to heal over if given a chance. I still would ask for a replacement on general principle that a tree in that condition should not have been shipped.
It appears to be below the graft. Maybe a failed prior graft? I agree they should have culled that one.
I requested a new tree but offered to pay the shipping. Their boxes are big, tough, and very well sealed with staples. They aren’t making any money on the shipping. It’s about a $5 box by itself.
They are sending a replacement tree. She said it’s probably not a failed graft but didn’t rule that out. Did agree that the tree is way below their standards. I’m a happy camper.
