By Justin Walker
Communications Specialist
Garden centers and nurseries across the state are beginning to see an increase in fruit and pecan trees ready for planting.
But before you buy your favorite fruit-bearing tree, there are several things to consider, John Begnaud, Texas Farm Bureau Radio Network reporter, said.
There’s no guarantee all trees at your local provider are fit for your area, Begnaud said.
“Sometimes, they are adapted to your area and sometimes they are not, and you must be careful about that,” he said. “Some of the larger stores might be buying things and marketing blueberries in West Texas, which doesn’t work very good, and other things like that.”
It’s important to do research on the trees best suited for your area before purchasing or planting, Begnaud said, especially if you have the space, time and inclination to grow fruit or nut trees.
There are many avenues to find the right fruit or nut tree for your area, he said. Visiting your area Master Gardener website or the Texas A&M University Horticulture Department website for recommendations is helpful.
“Texas A&M does a great job of recommending those varieties of fruit and pecan trees that do best in your area of Texas,” Begnaud said.
When dealing with nut trees, Begnaud often receives questions about whether or not hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds or exotic nuts are good options. For the most part, he said, the nut of choice is pecan.
“It is as good as the others as far as nutritional values and, of course, it is more well adapted and easier to grow,” he said.
When growing pecan trees, a diverse set of varieties for pollination purposes is beneficial, Begnaud said. This is especially true for areas isolated from river bottoms where native pecan trees grow.
Soil matters for tree growth, as well, he said. When growing fruit trees, make sure they will not be planted in boggy, clay soils, because they do not do well in that soil type.
“Be sure you are going to match the type of tree you want to grow to the soil you have,” Begnaud said. “Then, again, have variety.”