Rollercoaster Severe Weather Forces Texas Pecan Trees to Dangerously Self-Prune at the Wrong Time

Texas's extreme weather patterns, which seem to be a rollercoaster, have caused pecan trees to self-prune at the incorrect time, perhaps leading to a catastrophic die-off.

Self-Pruning Pecan Trees

Extreme heat and severe drought are wreaking havoc on Texas trees this year, compounding the damage caused by earlier severe freezes. Pecan trees, in particular, are bearing the brunt of this harsh weather. Known for their "self-pruning" nature, pecan trees are shedding limbs randomly, but the unfavorable conditions have pushed them and their growers to the brink.

Many Central Texas pecan farmers are anticipating a significant die-off this year, with losses of up to 10 percent of their orchards, like Winston Millican, a multi-generational pecan farmer. In San Antonio, recognized as Texas' first Tree City of the World, a similar story unfolds, with numerous dead and damaged trees, obstructing paths and posing risks.

Pecan Stress From Rollercoaster Severe Weather

The 2016 crop year posed challenges due to fungal diseases and insects, causing shade stress and direct plant stress. Black aphids inject toxins during feeding, resulting in yellow, necrotic blotches and leaf drops. Biochemical changes from insect feeding worsen overall stress and nut quality. These stressors individually can harm pecan yield and quality.

In 2016, Texas pecan orchards faced multiple stressors - excessive wetness, dry spells, and heavy crops, often with reduced sunlight. Regular scouting is vital for pecan growers aiming for high prices.

Massive Tree Loss

Following a recent chainsaw clean-up of a heritage American Elm near the San Antonio River, an incident unfolded, highlighting a broader issue of significant tree loss in the city. While no official tree census exists, City Forester Michael Holinsky noted a substantial loss of trees due to extreme weather and drought, affecting various species like red oaks, Shumard oaks, sycamores, pecans, and cedar elms.

The losses affect both old and young trees, regardless of their age. Bexar County's classification as exceptionally drought-ridden exacerbates the situation, depleting trees' resources to combat wind, pests, and fungal infections. The accumulation of stressors like cold spells and drought has created a challenging environment for trees. Experts like Peter Pierson and Ed Etter underscore the severity of the situation, with dead trees becoming a common sight in the city, reflecting the challenging conditions of recent years.

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Severe Situation, Exploring Non-Native Options

The impact of tree loss extends even to the meticulously cared-for River Walk, managed by Juan Guerra, the city's chief horticulturist. Regular watering has helped mitigate the toll on these trees, and the presence of bottom silt for water access has kept many of them healthy. Nonetheless, some crape myrtles and Burr oaks on the South Channel's east bank have succumbed to extreme conditions, though fewer than in other areas.

Given the severity of the situation, arborists are considering planting noninvasive tree species not native to San Antonio, but better suited for hotter, drier climates. Climate scientists recommend adapting to a warmer world. Watering your trees once a week for 30 minutes to an hour, depending on soil and tree type, is crucial. Michael Nentwich of Etter Tree Care advises not to wait for drought and suggests checking soil moisture with a long-shafted screwdriver as a simple yet effective method.

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