While Georgia proudly stands as the nation’s largest pecan producer, supplying approximately one-third of all pecans grown in the U.S., many homeowners with a backyard pecan tree often find themselves without a clear road map for care. Good news for these backyard nut enthusiasts: the University of Georgia (UGA) Extension has just unveiled a comprehensive new resource to simplify home pecan tree management.

For Georgians, seeing a pecan tree in a yard, especially around older homes in areas even outside the traditional “Pecan Capital of the World” centered in Southwest Georgia’s Albany and Dougherty County, is a common sight. However, these majestic trees, while potentially bountiful, don’t come with an instruction manual.

Addressing this common challenge, UGA Extension’s new “Home Pecan Tree Management Calendar” breaks down essential care into an easy-to-follow, month-by-month guide. From the moment the first leaves emerge to the excitement of harvest season, the calendar provides clear guidance on crucial tasks.

“For many Georgians, a pecan tree isn’t just a landscape feature, it’s a potential source of delicious, homegrown nuts,” said Lenny Wells, Professor & Pecan Extension Specialist. “But managing these trees can feel overwhelming. Our new calendar aims to demystify the process, making it accessible for everyone, even those brand-new to backyard pecans.”

The calendar covers key aspects of pecan tree care, including:

  • Pruning: When and how to shape your tree for optimal health and yield.
  • Fertilization: Understanding your tree’s nutritional needs throughout the year.
  • Pest and Disease Monitoring: Identifying common issues and proactive management strategies.
  • Harvest Preparation: Tips for getting ready to collect your bounty.

The guide is designed to be user-friendly, ensuring that whether you’ve inherited a mature tree or are nurturing a young one, you’ll know exactly when to perform vital tasks to keep your pecan trees healthy and productive.

This invaluable resource is the result of collaborative efforts by UGA Extension experts. Contributors to the guide include:

Lenny Wells, Professor & Pecan Extension Specialist
Andrew Sawyer, Area Pecan Agent
Apurba Barman, Assistant Professor
Robyn Stewart, County Extension Coordinator

Homeowners eager to maximize their pecan yield and maintain healthy trees can access the “Home Pecan Tree Management Calendar” online by visiting: https://fieldreport.caes.uga.edu/extension-topics/pecans/home-pecan-tree-management-calendar/

With this new, expert-reviewed guide, UGA Extension continues its commitment to providing research-backed information, empowering Georgians to enjoy the fruits (or rather, nuts) of their labor right from their own backyards.