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Hardy Pecan Tree

Carya illinoinensis

Nature Hills Nursery
  • Cold-Hardy Pecan Selection Thrives Where Traditional Varieties Fail
  • Thrives in Zones 5-9
  • Native, Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Small Mammals and Songbirds
  • Stunning Yellow Fall Foliage
  • Showy Green Blooms in Early Spring
$11832
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Your order is protected by our compliance system that:

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Plant Characteristics Cold hardy, Native, Flowering, Edible, Ornamental Berries/Fruit, Thornless, Drought resistant, Heat Tolerant, Fragrant, Fast-growing
Hardiness Zone 5a9b
Sunlight Full sun
Height 70-90 ft
Width 40-75 ft
Watering Needs Moderate
Preferred Soil Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate Moderate
Blooms In Spring
Flower Color Green
Native Yes
Suitable Space Outdoors
Botanical Name Carya illinoinensis
Species illinoinensis
Class Fagales
Does Not Ship To AK, AZ, CA, HI, ID, MT, PR, UT
D
Deb
protect your trees

Most critters will leave your trees alone if you hang a Frangrant bar of soap on it. They don't like the perfumey scent!Thank you Nature Hills! My trees came in perfect condition & are growing as I write!

Hi Deb,

Thank you so much for sharing your valuable tip and kind words! We’re thrilled to hear your Hardy Pecan Trees arrived in perfect condition and are thriving as you write. Using a fragrant bar of soap to naturally deter critters is such a clever and eco-friendly method — thank you for passing along that practical advice to our community!

If you ever need more tips on maintaining your pecan trees or dealing with local pests, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We also have detailed care guides on our site that might be handy as your trees continue to grow.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

D
Deb
protect your trees

Most critters will leave your trees alone if you hang a Frangrant bar of soap on it. They don't like the perfumey scent!Thank you Nature Hills! My trees came in perfect condition & are growing as I write!

Dear Deb,

Thank you so much for sharing your helpful tip about using fragrant bars of soap to keep critters away—what a clever, natural solution! We're delighted to hear that your Hardy Pecan Trees arrived in perfect condition and are thriving as you write. It always brings us joy to know our trees find good homes and grow strong under the care of passionate gardeners like you.

If you ever need additional advice on caring for your pecan trees or safeguarding them against pests and wildlife, feel free to explore our care guides or reach out. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

J
Jake
Nut trees

My Pecan tree has grown fast and I hope it will begin bearing pecans in he near future. I read the review from 2010 and I am going to use the metal strip, with the petroleum jelly, to protect against caterpillars. Don't know if I have any but I don't want them either.

Hi Jake,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with your Hardy Pecan Tree! It's wonderful to hear that it’s growing quickly—pecan trees can be such a rewarding addition to any garden. You’re right that protecting against caterpillars early is a smart move, even if you haven't spotted any yet. The metal strip and petroleum jelly trick is a tried-and-true method that creates an effective barrier. Just be sure to check it regularly and reapply the jelly if it starts to dry out, to keep pests at bay.

As your tree continues to mature, ensure it receives plenty of sunlight, well-drained soil, and proper watering to encourage healthy growth and, eventually, nut production. You might also consider a light fertilization in spring to give it a little extra boost.

If you ever have more questions or want updates on caring for your pecan tree, please don't hesitate to reach out. It’s a joy to be part of your growing journey!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

J
Jake
Nut trees

My Pecan tree has grown fast and I hope it will begin bearing pecans in he near future. I read the review from 2010 and I am going to use the metal strip, with the petroleum jelly, to protect against caterpillars. Don't know if I have any but I don't want them either.

Hi Jake,

Thank you so much for sharing your update on your Hardy Pecan Tree! We’re delighted to hear it’s growing fast and that you’re anticipating pecans in the near future—that’s always such a rewarding milestone. Your plan to use the metal strip and petroleum jelly to help protect against caterpillars is a smart preventative measure. Even if you don’t see any pests yet, this is a great way to keep the tree healthy and minimize damage.

If you do notice any caterpillars or other pests later on, another tip is to inspect the tree regularly and apply organic insecticidal soap or neem oil as needed—both methods can help keep feeding insects in check without harming your tree’s growth. Also, providing plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil will encourage strong, healthy nut production as your tree matures.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any other questions or need more specific advice. We’re here to support your journey every step of the way!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

J
Jennie
Good appearance

My tree arrived in excellent shape and it was boxed very well.

Hi Jennie,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience! We're delighted to hear that your Hardy Pecan Tree arrived in excellent shape and that the packaging met your expectations. We always strive to ensure our plants travel safely so they can thrive in your garden.

If you ever need tips on planting or caring for your pecan tree—like selecting the perfect sunny spot or optimal watering practices—feel free to reach out. We're here to help your tree grow strong and healthy for years to come.

To greener days ahead,
Nature Hills Customer Care & Plant Support

J
Jennie
Good appearance

My tree arrived in excellent shape and it was boxed very well.

Hello Jennie,

Thank you so much for sharing your positive feedback! We’re delighted to hear that your Hardy Pecan Tree arrived in excellent shape and that the packaging met your expectations. We take great care in ensuring our plants are well-protected during transit, and it’s wonderful to know our efforts helped your new tree journey safely to you.

As you care for your pecan tree, remember to plant it in a location with full sun and well-drained soil to help it thrive. Regular watering and seasonal mulching can also encourage healthy growth and nut production in the years to come.

If you ever have questions about pecan tree care or want tips on making your tree flourish, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support your growing garden dreams every step of the way.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

N
Nuts
Going to the squirrels

Last fall was the first time mine produced nuts. All it turned into was a buffet for the squirrels. They started munching on the green husks before they had a chance to grow into much of anything. The tree is beautiful. Just wish I knew how to keep some for myself.

Hello Nuts,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your Hardy Pecan Tree! We’re delighted to hear it’s growing beautifully, though we understand how frustrating it can be when hungry squirrels turn it into a voracious buffet before you can enjoy the nuts yourself.

To help protect your pecans, you might consider installing lightweight bird netting around the tree during nut season; this often keeps squirrels away without harming them. Another option is using squirrel deterrent sprays that are safe for plants—applying these early in the season can sometimes discourage the critters from snacking. You could also try placing squirrel feeders with alternative food away from the tree to give them a tempting away-spot.

If you’d like, we can share more detailed guides or tools for wildlife control tailored specifically to pecan trees. We’d love to help you enjoy those homegrown pecans next season! Feel free to reach out anytime.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

N
Nuts
Going to the squirrels

Last fall was the first time mine produced nuts. All it turned into was a buffet for the squirrels. They started munching on the green husks before they had a chance to grow into much of anything. The tree is beautiful. Just wish I knew how to keep some for myself.

Hello Nuts,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your Hardy Pecan Tree! It’s wonderful to hear that your tree is thriving and beautiful. Squirrels absolutely love pecans, and it’s a common challenge to protect your harvest from these furry buffet guests.

To help you enjoy more of your own nuts, consider using squirrel deterrents such as physical barriers like bird netting around the tree when the nuts start to form. You could also try putting up reflective tape or wind chimes nearby to help scare them away. Additionally, placing decoy feeders stocked with squirrel-friendly treats, away from your tree, might keep them distracted.

If you prefer a gentler approach, applying a temporary coat of hot pepper spray (available at garden centers) to the green husks can make them less appetizing for squirrels without causing harm. Remember to always follow label directions and avoid spraying during pollination.

We’re here if you have any questions as your tree grows or if you want additional tips on wildlife-friendly plant protection!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

L
Lily
Pecans are awesome.

I appreciated the above review, it was very interesting. However, my grandmother had two pecan trees in her yard and I didn't have the same experience. As kids we loved gathering the nuts. They were delicious by themselves and even better in whatever baked goods my grandmother put them in - Yum! I'm thrilled to carry on this tradition with my children and hopefully one day with my grandchildren. Thank you Nature Hills for sending me another beautiful tree.

Hi Lily,

Thank you so much for sharing your heartfelt story and for trusting us to be part of continuing such a beautiful family tradition! It’s wonderful to hear how cherished those childhood memories of gathering pecans and enjoying your grandmother’s baked goods are—and how you’re creating new ones with your children.

Hardy pecan trees are hearty and often very rewarding, but of course, conditions like soil quality, sunlight, and care routines can influence their growth and nut production. To help your tree thrive, make sure it’s planted in well-draining soil with plenty of sun, and consider mulching to retain moisture and enrich the soil. Regular watering during dry periods, especially in the early years, will boost its strength. Also, a balanced fertilizer can encourage nut development at the right time of the year.

If you ever have questions as your tree grows or would like some recipe ideas to showcase your home-grown pecans, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help your pecan tree—and your tradition—flourish!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

L
Lily
Pecans are awesome.

I appreciated the above review, it was very interesting. However, my grandmother had two pecan trees in her yard and I didn't have the same experience. As kids we loved gathering the nuts. They were delicious by themselves and even better in whatever baked goods my grandmother put them in - Yum! I'm thrilled to carry on this tradition with my children and hopefully one day with my grandchildren. Thank you Nature Hills for sending me another beautiful tree.

Hi Lily,

Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful story and experience with pecan trees! It’s wonderful to hear how those memories with your grandmother have created such a rich family tradition, and we’re truly honored to be a part of continuing that journey with you and your children. Gathering pecans and enjoying them in baked goods really captures the magic that wholesome, homegrown food brings.

If you ever want tips on caring for your hardy pecan tree to help it thrive and produce bountiful harvests for those future family celebrations, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help with everything from watering schedules to pest prevention, so your tree will grow strong and healthy.

Warm wishes, happy snacking, and all the best with your growing traditions!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

J
Jim
pecan trees

I have never purchased a pecan tree but am familiar with them. The nice things about pecan trees are of course the fruit, but in my experience the quality of the nuts can vary greatly from tree to tree and I do not know why. Growing up we had four pecan trees in our yard. All of the trees were similar and size and presumably in age as well, but the quality of the nuts varied greatly from tree to tree. There were basically three types of nuts, and this sounds overly simplified but they were large, medium and small. The medium nuts were the best and had dense, crunchy meat that held together well while cracking and cleaning the nuts. The large nuts had poorly formed meat that was fleshy in texture and had folds within the center of the meat that was as if it was not formed completely. The meat of the large nuts often had a sort of organic fuzz on it. I don't know what caused the nuts to be like this for they were getting the same light, rain and neglect as the other trees, but it was as if they had grown too quickly and were not well formed. The small nuts were OK, but they were difficult to pick out of the shells and clean. As a result, it took a lot more work to get a collection of meat for a dish. Also there were often pieces of shell left in the small pecans, giving them small bits of bitter grit for extra flavoring. The medium-sized pecans were excellent. I don't know if they tree that they came from was closer to the septic tank or something, but year after year the results were the same. I'd refer to an agricultural extension agent before purchasing a pecan tree for the nuts, because there is obviously something going on that affects the quality of them. Other things to know about pecan trees is that they are prone to getting tent caterpillars. Tent caterpillars eat the leaves and make the tree look ugly, but I don't think they actually affect the quality of the nuts. One solution to this is to place a strap of sheet metal around the entirety of the trunk, and then placing petroleum jelly on the strap when it gets to be caterpillar season. The caterpillars don't like going over the petroleum jelly and will stay out of the tree. However, the tent caterpillars will still get to the pecan tree from the branches of other trees, so that is something to think about. Also, anything that affects the entire circumference of any tree can eventually kill the tree if it gets too tight, so make the strap removable. I've heard of people using duct tape and putting petroleum jelly on that. Of course there are also squirrels. The thing about squirrels is that they take the nuts and bury them everywhere. Where I live in North Carolina, the nuts sprout very easily and once they are about a foot tall, you have to dig them up to kill them. Every year we have pecan tree sprouts coming up out of our potted plants, at the foundation of our house, and in all sorts of hard to reach places. Living in the South we periodically deal with hurricanes, and consequently I have lots of memories of dragging huge limbs from our pecan trees to clean up. I don't know if the limbs of pecan trees are more prone to breaking off in high wind than other trees, but it certainly seemed like we were constantly picking up limbs in our yard. That having been said, I enjoyed having pecan trees in our yard because the nuts are among the best tasting ones around, and the trees great numbers of them.

Hi Jim,

Thank you so much for your detailed and thoughtful review! We really appreciate you sharing your tested insights and personal experiences growing up with pecan trees—those kinds of firsthand insights make all the difference for gardeners considering adding pecans to their landscapes.

You’ve brought up some intriguing points about the variability in nut quality; indeed, variations can be influenced by subtle differences in soil health, slight environmental factors, and even the specific pecan tree cultivar. Consulting with a local agricultural extension agent, as you recommended, is a wonderful suggestion since they can provide expertise tailored to your local soil composition, climate, and pest pressures.

Your tips on managing tent caterpillars by using petroleum jelly barriers are excellent and helpful not only for pecans but also for other susceptible trees. Tracking the circumference of those bands to ensure the health of the tree’s trunk is also wise to prevent any damage.

The issue with squirrels planting “accidental nut sprouts” right where you don’t want them is a familiar one! You might also find breakthrough with using squirrel deterrents or friendly tagging methods if digging seedlings every year becomes too much—wet burlap wraps on higher branches during peak seed drop may keep some nuts off the ground.

Regarding the large limbs stripping away after high winds, pecan branches can grow large and comparatively heavy when mature, so positioning taller trees where space limits limb breakage—or routine pruning of potentially weak branches ahead of storm season—can reduce cleanup challenges over time.

Thank you again for such a thorough recount—you should feel proud of all that pecan knowledge and friendly troubleshooting! Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like recommendations for pecan cultivars known for nut quality or need more assistance with pecan tree care right from our expertise.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

J
Jim
pecan trees

I have never purchased a pecan tree but am familiar with them. The nice things about pecan trees are of course the fruit, but in my experience the quality of the nuts can vary greatly from tree to tree and I do not know why. Growing up we had four pecan trees in our yard. All of the trees were similar and size and presumably in age as well, but the quality of the nuts varied greatly from tree to tree. There were basically three types of nuts, and this sounds overly simplified but they were large, medium and small. The medium nuts were the best and had dense, crunchy meat that held together well while cracking and cleaning the nuts. The large nuts had poorly formed meat that was fleshy in texture and had folds within the center of the meat that was as if it was not formed completely. The meat of the large nuts often had a sort of organic fuzz on it. I don't know what caused the nuts to be like this for they were getting the same light, rain and neglect as the other trees, but it was as if they had grown too quickly and were not well formed. The small nuts were OK, but they were difficult to pick out of the shells and clean. As a result, it took a lot more work to get a collection of meat for a dish. Also there were often pieces of shell left in the small pecans, giving them small bits of bitter grit for extra flavoring. The medium-sized pecans were excellent. I don't know if they tree that they came from was closer to the septic tank or something, but year after year the results were the same. I'd refer to an agricultural extension agent before purchasing a pecan tree for the nuts, because there is obviously something going on that affects the quality of them. Other things to know about pecan trees is that they are prone to getting tent caterpillars. Tent caterpillars eat the leaves and make the tree look ugly, but I don't think they actually affect the quality of the nuts. One solution to this is to place a strap of sheet metal around the entirety of the trunk, and then placing petroleum jelly on the strap when it gets to be caterpillar season. The caterpillars don't like going over the petroleum jelly and will stay out of the tree. However, the tent caterpillars will still get to the pecan tree from the branches of other trees, so that is something to think about. Also, anything that affects the entire circumference of any tree can eventually kill the tree if it gets too tight, so make the strap removable. I've heard of people using duct tape and putting petroleum jelly on that. Of course there are also squirrels. The thing about squirrels is that they take the nuts and bury them everywhere. Where I live in North Carolina, the nuts sprout very easily and once they are about a foot tall, you have to dig them up to kill them. Every year we have pecan tree sprouts coming up out of our potted plants, at the foundation of our house, and in all sorts of hard to reach places. Living in the South we periodically deal with hurricanes, and consequently I have lots of memories of dragging huge limbs from our pecan trees to clean up. I don't know if the limbs of pecan trees are more prone to breaking off in high wind than other trees, but it certainly seemed like we were constantly picking up limbs in our yard. That having been said, I enjoyed having pecan trees in our yard because the nuts are among the best tasting ones around, and the trees great numbers of them.

Dear Jim,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a detailed and thoughtful experience with pecan trees! Your insights into the variation in nut quality, as well as the tips about tent caterpillars and squirrels, provide valuable perspective for anyone considering adding pecan trees to their landscape.

You’ve absolutely touched on a fascinating point about the differences in nut size and quality — factors like soil composition, rootstock, tree variety, age, and microenvironment can all influence nut development. Indeed, reaching out to a local agricultural extension or horticultural expert can help determine the best variety of pecan tree for consistent nut quality in your area. Moreover, specific cultivars often perform differently regarding nut size, taste, and durability, so selecting a known high-quality variety to plant might be a big help.

Your tip about using petroleum jelly around a removable strip of metal to combat tent caterpillars is resourceful! It’s also true that regular monitoring and earlier intervention can protect the tree’s foliage without harming overall production of pecans. As squirrels scatter nuts far and wide, you might also consider some humane deterrent methods to minimize “problem seedlings.”

Regarding hurricane aftermath and wood self-pruning, pecan trees, like other hardwoods, can be vulnerable to breaking limbs during high winds. Proper pruning to strengthen structural form and removing weak or diseased branches before storm seasons can decrease potential damage.

We truly appreciate your personal details—you’ve passed along wisdom that will aid many fellow gardeners. If you decide to plant your own hardy pecan tree, we’re here to assist you each step of the way with growing guides and plant support.

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Frequently Asked Questions

How far should I space the Hardy Pecan Tree from other trees or structures?
  • Plant Hardy Pecan trees at least 40-50 feet from structures and other large trees. These trees develop massive, rounded canopies that need ample space to reach their full potential as shade trees. For best nut production, space multiple pecans 30-40 feet apart to allow for cross-pollination.

What is the best time of year to plant a Hardy Pecan Tree?
  • Plant Hardy Pecan trees in early spring after the last frost or in fall before ground freezes. These zone 5-9 trees establish best when dormant, giving roots time to develop before active growth. Shop at Nature Hills for quality specimens ready for your landscape.

What type of soil does the Hardy Pecan Tree need—does it require well-draining soil?
  • Hardy Pecan trees thrive in well-draining, deep soils and are quite adaptable to various soil types. These native trees tolerate both clay and sandy soils but perform best with good drainage to prevent root rot. Plant in full sun and ensure adequate space for the large, rounded canopy to develop.

How much sun exposure does the Hardy Pecan Tree require?
  • Hardy Pecan Trees require full sun exposure for optimal growth and nut production. These large shade trees need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily to develop their expansive canopy and produce abundant harvests. Plant in an open location away from competing trees or structures that could block sunlight.

What fertilizer schedule does the Hardy Pecan Tree need, like nitrogen amounts?
  • Hardy Pecan trees benefit from balanced fertilizer in early spring before bud break, with young trees needing more frequent feeding than established ones. Apply 10-10-10 fertilizer at 1 pound per inch of trunk diameter. Shop at Nature Hills for quality Hardy Pecan trees suited for zones 5-9.

Do you ship Hardy Pecan Trees bareroot or in containers, and what are the shipping costs?
  • Hardy Pecan Trees are typically shipped bareroot during dormant season (late fall through early spring) or in containers during the growing season. Shipping costs vary by location and tree size, with bareroot options generally being more economical. Check the product page for current shipping options and rates to your zone 5-9 location.

Is the Hardy Pecan Tree cold-hardy enough for my zone, and how do I protect it in winter?
  • The Hardy Pecan Tree thrives in USDA zones 5-9 with remarkable cold resistance. This native tree typically doesn't need winter protection once established, as it's naturally adapted to harsh climates. Plant in a sheltered location for younger trees.
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