The pecan (Carya illinoinensis) is Texas's state tree, and for good reason. Pecans are native to North Texas, adapted to the region's clay soils and extreme weather, and capable of living for centuries. They're also one of the most common trees in DFW residential yards — and one of the most misunderstood when it comes to care.

Here's what DFW homeowners need to know about caring for pecan trees.

Size. Pecans are large trees — mature specimens commonly reach 70–100 feet tall with canopy spreads of 60–80 feet. If you have a pecan in your yard, it's likely one of the largest trees on your property.

Lifespan. Pecans are long-lived — 200 to 300 years is not unusual for well-maintained specimens. The pecan in your yard may have been growing for decades before your home was built.

Root system. Pecans develop deep taproots and extensive lateral root systems. This makes them relatively drought-tolerant once established, but it also means their roots can extend far beyond the canopy drip line.

Nut production. Pecans produce nuts on a biennial cycle — heavy production one year, lighter production the next. Nut production requires cross-pollination, so a single isolated pecan may produce fewer nuts than one near other pecans.

The best time to prune pecan trees in DFW is late winter (January–February), while the tree is fully dormant and before bud break. Pruning during dormancy:

• Minimizes stress on the tree
• Reduces the risk of disease entry through pruning wounds
• Allows you to see the branch structure clearly without foliage
• Gives wounds time to begin healing before the growing season

Avoid pruning pecans in summer. Summer pruning stresses the tree and can invite disease. The exception is removing dead, broken, or hazardous branches, which should be done as soon as they're identified regardless of season.

Pruning (every 3–5 years):

• Remove dead, dying, and crossing branches
• Thin the canopy to improve light penetration and air circulation
• Remove water sprouts (vigorous vertical shoots) from the interior of the canopy
• Maintain a strong central leader on younger trees

Fertilization (annually in spring):

• Pecans are heavy feeders and respond well to fertilization
• Apply a balanced fertilizer or a pecan-specific fertilizer in early spring
• Zinc deficiency is common in DFW pecans — look for "rosette" symptoms (small, distorted leaves) and treat with zinc sulfate

Watering:

• Established pecans are relatively drought-tolerant but benefit from deep watering during extended dry periods
• Water deeply (to 18–24 inches) rather than frequently — this encourages deep root development

Pest and disease monitoring:

• Pecan scab (a fungal disease) is the most common problem in DFW pecans; it causes black spots on nuts and leaves
• Pecan aphids can cause significant defoliation; natural predators usually control them, but severe infestations may need treatment
• Pecan weevils damage nuts in late summer; trapping and treatment are available

Pecan scab. The most common disease of pecans in DFW. Caused by a fungus that thrives in wet spring weather. Symptoms include black spots on nuts, shucks, and leaves. Severe infections can cause complete nut crop failure. Management includes fungicide applications and selecting scab-resistant varieties for new plantings.

Zinc deficiency. Very common in DFW's alkaline clay soils. Symptoms include "rosette" — small, distorted leaves clustered at branch tips. Treat with zinc sulfate foliar spray or soil application.

Pecan aphids. Several species of aphids attack pecans in DFW. Yellow aphids cause the most damage, producing honeydew that coats leaves and promotes sooty mold. Natural predators (lady beetles, lacewings) usually provide adequate control.

Limb breakage. Pecans have naturally brittle wood and are prone to limb failure during storms, especially when the canopy is dense and heavy. Regular thinning reduces this risk significantly.

Despite their value, some pecan trees need to be removed:

• Significant internal decay — Fungal growth at the base, hollow sections, or extensive deadwood throughout the canopy
• Root failure — Leaning that has developed recently, heaved roots, or soil cracking near the base
• Location problems — A pecan that has grown too close to your home, foundation, or utility lines
• Irreversible disease — Some fungal diseases (hypoxylon canker) cannot be treated and require removal

Tree Crew can assess your pecan tree and help you determine whether removal is necessary.

Tree Crew has 27 years of experience caring for pecan trees throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth area. Whether you need pruning, a health assessment, or removal, we can help.

Call (972) 999-3627 or contact us online to schedule your free assessment.