Fertilizing Pecan and Fruit Trees B. Dean McCraw, Extension Horticulturist, Commercial Pecans and Tree Fruits Gordon V. Johnson, Extension Soils Specialist Michael W. Smith, Professor of Horticulture P lants require nutrients for growth and fruit production. Fertilizers furnish nutrients and may be applied to infertile soils to correct nutrient deficiencies.
Deficient fertility can cause poor shoot growth and reduced fruit set.
The trees also become susceptible to damage by insects, such as borers. The vigor of pecan and fruit trees can be stimulated by cultivation, heavy pruning, irrigation, and application of fertilizer. The best combination of these practices should be employed to provide the vigor necessary for optimum fruit and nut production. 2 Plant trees - fall or spring. Adequate water and weed control is more important than fertilization during the first year.