Wichita Pecan

Plant Type: deciduous
Plant Height: 50-70 feet
Spread: 30-75 feet
Flower Color: green
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Description:
The Wichita Pecan, scientifically known as Carya illinoinensis 'Wichita', is an excellent choice for landscapes in Arizona, particularly for those who value both ornamental beauty and practical yield. This variety of pecan tree is prized for its abundant nut production and its adaptability to a range of climates, including the warmer regions of Arizona.

One of the standout features of the Wichita Pecan is its ability to produce a large crop of high-quality pecans. The nuts are known for their excellent flavor and large size, making them desirable for both culinary use and as a valuable crop for home gardens or commercial orchards. The Wichita Pecan typically begins producing nuts within a few years of planting and reaches peak production as it matures.

In addition to its nut production, the Wichita Pecan tree is also valued for its aesthetic appeal. It has a stately, spreading canopy that provides ample shade, a much-needed feature in the sunny, hot Arizona climate. The leaves are pinnate, with multiple leaflets creating a lush, green appearance throughout the growing season.

The Wichita Pecan is a deciduous tree, meaning it will shed its leaves in the fall. This seasonal change adds visual interest to the landscape, with the foliage turning to shades of yellow before dropping. The bare branches in winter have their own stark beauty and allow sunlight to penetrate, warming the ground beneath.

This tree variety is relatively drought-tolerant once established but will benefit from regular watering, especially during the hot summer months in Arizona. Adequate watering is particularly important during the nut development stage to ensure a good crop.

The Wichita Pecan can grow to a considerable size, often reaching 75 to 100 feet in height. This size makes it suitable for larger landscapes where it has space to grow and thrive. It's important to consider the tree's mature size and root system when choosing a planting location, ensuring it's placed away from structures, underground utilities, and other trees.

In summary, the Wichita Pecan is a fantastic choice for Arizona landscapes, offering both practical nut production and ornamental value. Its shade-providing canopy, attractive foliage, and the added benefit of delicious pecans make it a rewarding addition to larger home gardens, orchards, or rural landscapes.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Wichita Pecan

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth and nut production)
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space trees 20-30 feet apart to accommodate their large canopy and root system
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Wichita Pecan is a self-supporting tree that requires no staking. It grows into a tall, wide tree producing large, high-quality pecans

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 5-7 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 3-4 inches of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Wichita Pecan is considered established after 6-8 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 10-14 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 7-10 days. Provide 4-5 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 4-6 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 18-24 inches away from the base of the tree for deep watering of the root zone
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 2-4 gallons per hour
• Number of Emitters: 2-3 emitters per tree for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering frequency to every 7-10 days. In winter, reduce to every 4-6 weeks