Caddo Pecan

Caddo Pecan is a stately tree prized for its dense canopy and delicious nuts. Growing up to 60 feet tall and 40 feet wide, it provides excellent shade and seasonal interest with its bright yellow leaves in fall. This pecan variety is well-suited to larger yards and open spaces, offering both aesthetic and practical benefits. It has a deep root system that helps it tolerate drought once established. Caddo Pecan’s strong wood and impressive size make it a lasting addition to Texas landscapes. Regular care will encourage healthy growth and nut production, rewarding homeowners with both beauty and harvest. The Caddo pecan is a Type 1 pollinator, meaning its male flowers (catkins) shed pollen before its female flowers are receptive. To produce nuts, Caddo pecans require a compatible Type 2 variety.

• Deciduous tree
• Moderate growth rate with a broad, spreading habit
• Produces edible pecans
• Yellow fall foliage adds seasonal color
• Ideal for shade and large landscapes

Hardy in USDA zones 6–9, Caddo Pecan thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained, fertile soils. It adapts well to North Texas climates, making it a reliable choice for shade and nut production.

Once established, Caddo Pecan is a hardy, low-maintenance shade and crop tree that thrives across much of Texas. Here’s what it needs to thrive beautifully:

• Watering: Water deeply and regularly during the first three years to establish an extensive root system. Mature trees need deep soaking every 10-14 days during dry weather, especially during nut development. Avoid shallow, frequent watering - deep moisture encourages sturdy roots and better nut fill.
• Pruning: Prune young trees annually in late winter to develop a strong central leader and wide branch angles. Remove crossing or crowded limbs. Mature trees need only light structural pruning to maintain airflow and reduce limb breakage from heavy crops.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) in early spring before new growth begins, and again in midsummer if growth appears weak. Older trees benefit from a zinc supplement to support nut quality and leaf health.
• Mulching: Spread a 3-4 inch layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot and pest issues.
• Spacing: For orchards or large landscapes, space trees 35-40 feet apart to allow for full canopy spread and adequate light penetration. Proper spacing helps reduce disease pressure and improves air circulation.

Common Issues and How to Take Care of Them

Caddo Pecan is a very hardy tree, but it’s not immune to certain pests and diseases. This is what to look out for:

• Scab fungus: A common pecan disease that causes dark spots on leaves and nuts, reducing yield. Choose resistant varieties like Caddo and maintain good airflow. Apply fungicide during wet springs if needed.
• Aphids: Can cause sticky residue on leaves. Rinse foliage with water or use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to control outbreaks.
• Webworms: These caterpillars spin silk webs in the canopy and feed on foliage. Prune out small infestations or apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for larger populations.
• Zinc deficiency: Leads to small, distorted leaves and poor nut set. Apply a foliar zinc spray in spring when new growth begins.
• Nutrient stress: Pale leaves or small nuts often indicate low nitrogen. Apply a balanced fertilizer and water deeply to promote recovery.

With deep watering, proper pruning, and balanced feeding, Caddo Pecan provides abundant, high-quality nuts and grows into a stately, long-lived shade tree perfect for large yards or rural properties.