Select a site that permits free and easy air movement. Cold air settles in low spots and can also be trapped by barriers, which can result in both early and late freeze damage. Money will be saved on irrigation and cultural practices and harvest can be performed easily. If there are frequent early freezes in the fall or late freezes in the spring, as well as hail storm possibilities, the area is not suitable for establishing pecan orchards. Adequate supply of good quality water is a must in New Mexico when selecting the pecan orchard site.
Pecan trees are also sensitive to salt build up in the soils.
NMSU and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating.