When To Plant Pecan Trees In Texas

If you’re thinking about adding a pecan tree to your Texas landscape, timing is everything. Knowing exactly when to plant pecan trees in Texas is the first and most important step toward success. Get it right, and you give your tree the best possible start for a long, productive life. This guide will walk you through the best planting times for Texas, broken down by region, and give you the clear steps you need.

The short answer is late fall through early winter. This is the golden rule for most of the state. Planting during this dormant season lets the tree focus its energy on establishing roots instead of supporting leaves and new growth. By the time spring warmth arrives, your pecan will have a solid root system ready to support a burst of top growth.

Why Dormant Season Planting is Best

Planting while the tree is asleep has major advantages. The cooler temperatures and typically more reliable rainfall reduce stress on the young tree. You won’t have to worry about it fighting the intense Texas summer heat right away.

Less Water Stress: Evaporation is lower, so the soil stays moist longer, helping those new roots develop.
Root Growth Priority: With no leaves to maintain, the tree’s energy goes straight underground.
Easier Transition: The tree has months to settle in before facing its first growing season.

Texas Regional Planting Calendars

Texas is big, and climate varies. Here’s a breakdown of the best planting windows for different areas.

North Texas & Panhandle

Winters here are colder, with a higher risk of hard freezes. The ideal window is narrow.

Best Time: Late November to mid-December.
Reasoning: This gives the tree just enough time to start some root growth before the ground gets too cold, but after it’s fully dormant. Avoid planting if the ground is frozen.

Central Texas & Hill Country

This region offers the most flexible and forgiving planting season.

Best Time: December through February.
Reasoning: Mild winters allow for a longer dormant planting period. You can often plant successfully through early February, as long as the tree is still bare.

South Texas & Coastal Plains

Winters are very mild and summers arrive early. Fall planting is especially critical here.

Best Time: November to early December.
Reasoning: Getting the tree in the ground in late fall provides maximum root development time before the intense heat and dry conditions of late spring. Spring planting is very risky due to rapid heat onset.

The Case for Very Early Spring Planting

Sometimes, you might miss the fall window. If you must plant in spring, do it as early as possible, the moment bare-root trees are available at nurseries and the soil is workable—usually late January in the south to late February in the north. Container-grown trees offer a bit more flexibility but still need early planting. The key is to beat the heat.

Spring-planted trees require much more attentive watering through their first summer. They simply won’t have the same extensive root system to seek out water.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Once you have your timing down, follow these steps for proper planting. Doing this right is just as important as when you do it.

1. Selecting Your Tree

Choose a healthy, disease-free tree from a reputable nursery. For Texas, always select varieties proven for your specific region, like ‘Pawnee’ for early harvest or ‘Caddo’ for disease resistance. A good nursery can advise you. Look for a tree with a straight trunk and well-distributed branches.

2. Choosing and Preparing the Site

Pecans need room and sun. They are massive trees at maturity.

Space: Plant at least 30-50 feet away from buildings, other trees, and power lines.
Sunlight: Full, all-day sun is non-negotiable for good nut production.
Soil: Pecans prefer deep, well-drained soil. Avoid compacted or poorly drained areas.

3. Digging the Perfect Hole

This is a common mistake. Don’t dig too deep!

Dig the hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
Dig only as deep as the root ball is tall. The tree should sit on solid, undisturbed soil to prevent settling.
Roughen the sides of the hole to help roots penetrate into the native soil.

4. Planting and Backfilling

For bare-root trees, build a small mound of soil in the hole and spread the roots evenly over it. For container trees, gently loosen any circling roots.

Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the root flare (where the trunk widens) is slightly above the final soil grade.
Backfill with the native soil you removed. Do not amend the backfill with compost or potting mix. You want roots to adapt to the native soil from the start.
Water thoroughly as you backfill to remove air pockets.

5. Initial Watering and Mulching

After planting, create a low berm around the tree to form a watering basin. Give it another deep watering. Then, apply a 4-6 inch layer of mulch (wood chips, shredded bark) in a wide circle around the tree. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk itself to prevent rot.

Mulch is vital in Texas. It conserves moisture, regulates soil temperature, and suppresses weeds that would compete for water.

First-Year Care After Planting

Your job isn’t over after planting. The first year, especially the first summer, requires consistent care.

Watering: This is critical. Water deeply once a week if there’s no rain. The goal is to keep the root ball and surrounding soil moist but not soggy. During extreme summer heat, you may need to water twice a week.
No Fertilizer: Do not fertilize at planting time or during the first year. Fertilizer can burn tender new roots and encourages top growth before the roots can support it.
Pruning: At planting, only remove broken or damaged branches. Major structural pruning should wait until the following dormant season.
Pest Watch: Keep an eye out for early signs of aphids or pecan weevils, though major pest issues are less likely on very young trees.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Steering clear of these errors will save you alot of trouble.

Planting Too Deep: This is the #1 cause of failure. The root flare must be visible.
Over-amending the Soil: Creates a “pot effect” where roots won’t leave the comfortable hole.
Under-Watering: Inconsistent watering, especially in year one, is a major stressor.
Wrong Variety: Planting a variety not suited to your region’s chill hours or disease pressure.
Ignoring Soil Drainage: Pecans hate “wet feet.” Test drainage before you plant by filling the hole with water; it should drain within 24 hours.

FAQ: Best Planting Times for Texas

Can I plant pecan trees in the spring in Texas?

You can, but it’s not ideal. If you do, plant as early in late winter or very early spring as possible. Be prepared for a rigorous watering schedule through the first summer to compensate for the under-developed root system.

What is the absolute latest I can plant a pecan tree?

For bare-root trees, the deadline is bud break in spring. Once the tree starts leafing out, transplant shock is high. For container trees, you can plant later in spring, but it becomes increasingly risky as summer approaches. Late fall is always safer than late spring.

How does planting time affect first nut production?

A tree planted in the dormant season will establish better and grow more vigorously in its first few years. This can potentially shave a year or two off the time to first bearing, compared to a stressed spring-planted tree. Healthy growth from the start is key.

Is summer planting ever okay?

No. Planting a pecan tree during the Texas summer is almost certain to fail due to extreme heat and water stress. The tree will struggle to establish roots while loosing massive amounts of water through its leaves. Always wait for dormancy.

By choosing the right time—late fall to early winter—and following proper planting techniques, you set your pecan tree up for a century of growth and harvest. Patience in the beginning pays off with generations of shade and tasty nuts. Remember to select a regional appropriate variety, plant it high, water it consistently, and mulch it well. Your future self, and maybe even your grandchildren, will thank you for the effort.