Pecan

The Texas State Tree

The Pecan (Carya illinoinensis) is the official Texas State Tree and a beloved fixture of San Antonio landscapes. Known for its towering shade, beautiful compound leaves, and delicious nuts, a mature Pecan is a legacy tree. Alfaro Tree Sales grows Pecans at our 40-acre Atascosa nursery.

2–3 ft/yr
Growth Rate
60–80 ft
Mature Height
Good
Drought Tolerance
Since ’76
Growing & Planting
Sun
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Growth
2–3 ft/yr
Mature Height
60–80 ft
Foliage
Deciduous
Edible Pecans
Nut Harvest

Edible Pecans

Pecans produce America’s favorite nut — rich, buttery, and perfect for pies, pralines, and snacking. A mature tree can yield 50–100+ pounds of pecans annually, making it both a shade tree and a productive food source.

Texas State Tree Delicious pecan nut harvest Massive shade canopy Field-grown at our 40-acre nursery

Pecan vs. Burr Oak

Two massive SA shade trees compared.

Recommended

Pecan

Growth Rate2–3 ft/yr
NutsEdible pecans
FoliageDeciduous
Mature Height60–80 ft
Canopy40–60 ft
DroughtGood

Burr Oak

Growth Rate1–2 ft/yr
NutsAcorns (wildlife)
FoliageDeciduous
Mature Height60–80 ft
Canopy60–80 ft
DroughtExcellent

Growth Timeline

Expected height after planting a 4” caliper tree (16–20 ft at install).

18 ft
Planting
28 ft
Year 5
40 ft
Year 10
First nuts
70 ft
Year 25+
Mature

Care After Planting

Watering

Regular deep watering the first 2–3 seasons. Mature pecans need deep watering during drought for good nut production.

Soil & Fertilizer

Prefers deep, well-drained soil. SA’s shallow limestone can be challenging — consider raised bed or deep planting pocket. Zinc supplement recommended for nut production.

Pruning

Develop a strong central leader when young. Prune in winter. Mature trees may need professional pruning for clearance and nut production.

Best Planting Time

December through February for bare-root trees. Container trees can go in October through March.

Our Planting Process

1

Select & Deliver

Choose your tree at our nursery or by phone. We deliver it to your property.

2

Plant & Mulch

Machine-dug hole, native soil backfill, deep watering, and mulch ring installed.

3

Follow-Up

Written care instructions plus a 30-day establishment check from our crew.

Sun
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Growth Rate
2–3 ft/yr
Mature Height
60–80 ft
Canopy Spread
40–60 ft
Foliage
Deciduous
Foliage
Deciduous
Native Range
Central & East Texas
Soil
Deep / Alluvial
Best For
Shade, Nut Production
Category
Shade
Nursery
40 Acres, Atascosa TX

Pecans grow 2–3 feet per year under good conditions, reaching 40–50 feet within 15–20 years.

Usually 5–10 years after planting for grafted varieties. Seedling trees may take longer. Production increases annually as the tree matures.

Varieties like ‘Pawnee,’ ‘Kanza,’ and ‘Lakota’ are well-suited to our area. Ask our team for current availability.

Pecans are wind-pollinated and cross-pollinate more effectively with a different variety nearby. One tree can produce some nuts, but two different varieties improve yield.

December through February for bare-root; October through March for container trees.

We offer Pecans from younger trees to large specimens. Field-grown at our nursery in Atascosa. Call (210) 202-4284.

Yes. Professional delivery and planting across the SA metro. Request a free quote.

Very large — 60–80 ft tall with a 40–60 ft canopy. Plan for their mature size. Plant at least 40 ft from structures and other large trees.