Pecan

Carya illinoinensis

A fantastic addition to any USDA Zone 6-9 yard. These will produce a ton of delicious nuts for the rest of your life (and your kids, and maybe your grandkids). 

I grow seedlings collected from select variety seeds meaning that they should produce more and larger nuts than wild pecan trees. I also grow seedlings from local trees growing in parks here in Lancaster County.

When you get your tree it will be bare-root tree (no soil around the roots.) The tree has gone into dormancy for the winter at this point, so it can be dug up and transplanted with almost no stress to the tree. You just have to make sure the roots stay moist. You'll receive the tree in a pot with moist woodchips or in a bag with moist paper towels wrapped around the roots. It could stay like this for weeks (as long as the roots are kept moist and cool) but I strongly suggest planting in the ground soon after purchase. 

Note: You will need two trees planted near(ish) one another to ensure pollination. If you don't have room for a 2nd tree, ask a neighbor!

Size/Spacing:

The trees will grow to about 70-150 feet in height. They will have a 40-80 ft spread when they are full grown.

Site Preference:

You'll want to plant these trees in full sun with rich well-draining soil. I always suggest mulching well to cut down on weed pressure and reduce the need for watering. Keep them well watered their first year until they are established. Then they should survive on their own, but you may need to water during production years to increase harvest depending on rainfall.

Hardiness:

USDA Hardiness Zones 6-9