Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Tuesday - August 14, 2012
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Planting, Trees
Title: Pecan trees too close together in Austin
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
There are two pecan trees in my central Austin yard. Each is four or five inches diameter at chest height and maybe 15 feet tall. They are within six feet of each other and their canopies interfere with each other. It seems like they are much too close to be healthy and grow well. Is it practical and cost effective to transplant one of them to another spot in the yard? I've heard that the taproot makes this nearly impossible at their size. If not transplanted, do I need to remove one so they don't compete?ANSWER:
You are right, that is not a healthy situation, and Carya illinoinensis (Pecan), particularly, that big do not voluntarily move well. This is, however a decision we don't feel qualified to make. You need to contact a certified arborist and have them come out and advise you. We would guess that pecans out in the wild that seeded from pecans falling on the ground could probably end up growing close together like that; we just don't know how long it would be feasible to leave them that way.
One other consideration is going to be that they, along with hickories and black walnuts, all members of the Juglandaceae family, emit juglones which are substances to discourage competition from other plants nearby. Some grasses can resist those substances well enough to survive, but most ornamentals cannot. So you are going to have twice the problem with that, with two trees.
We suggest you first follow the plant link above and read the information on our webpage on the native pecans. Then, go to our National Suppliers Directory, put your town and state in the "Enter Search Location" rectangle and you will get a list of native seed suppliers, nurseries and landscape professionals in your general area. If you decide to go the route of profesional arborists, you can use the contact information on each to get in touch with them, learn what their credentials are and make your decision.
From the Image Gallery
More Planting Questions
Transplanting native flame leaf sumac in Eden, TX
October 26, 2008 - We have tried without success to transplant a flame leaf sumac from the ranch to the house. What are we doing wrong?
view the full question and answer
Need suggestions for trees with non-invasive root system in Paramus, NJ.
August 23, 2011 - What trees can I plant in New Jersey with non invasive root systems? We lost our tree to a storm and are looking for a viable replacement.
view the full question and answer
Non-native Philadelphus Innocence mock orange from Paris TX
June 20, 2012 - What is the best place in the garden to grow Philadelphus Innocence mock orange in Paris, Tx?
Also, how long after transplanting do flowers occur?
Any tips appreciated
view the full question and answer
Drought affecting native trees from The Woodlands
August 18, 2011 - I've been trying to grow native trees in my yard for the past 3 years and I'm starting to question whether the amount of time required to spend watering them during the long hot season in Texas is r...
view the full question and answer
Fall planting time for mixed perennial bed
October 20, 2007 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants,
I live in Dripping Springs and have constructed four 10-12" raised beds (total of ~600 sqft.) on the Front (NW facing - fairly exposed) side of my house that I would like to ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |