We've yet to get pecans from our tree that is getting huge. It's about 15 years old. The squirrels usually get them all. This year I was so excited because it is loaded with huge pecans, but now they keep dropping and are not ripe. It's become a nuisance as they are everywhere. Is this normal? It was a grafted tree purchased from a nursery and can't remember the variety to save my soul. I wanted it because it reminds me of the huge pecan tree outside my grandparents back porch. They always had tons of pecans.

I have 2 neighbors who live across the street from me (fortunately). I'm in Dallas, not that far from you. Anyway I noticed the same thing with their pecans. Big and you wouldn't want one to hit you on the head, but not ripe. I think it was the same last year.

I have large oaks and have been hit by more than one very large acorn. They started falling a few weeks ago which seems a little early. However, you'd have to ask the squirrels re the ripeness. Maybe it's the always strange weather we have around here.

I did some research and it seems it may have to do with all the rain which may have prohibited pollination.

I was at North Haven Gardens this afternoon (thought I heard a pied piper summoning me). I asked about the pecans as well as my acorns. The manager said that it might be a sign that the tree is in stress.
I had been worried about my magnolia looking stressed and bought some tree tonic. Before I could use it we got the heavy rains a few weeks ago. Now I still need to feed my oaks and the magnolia and I have to do it soon!
Good luck to both of us.

In stress, or has had bugs/caterpillars boring into them. Squirrels overpopulated, what do you guys fertilize your pecans with? Now is a good time, as well as a good soak to happen. Some years can be great, but next years pecans are on the tree now. I always used an 11% nitrogen on them where I had them, could get 100# from a 40 yr old tree. Also used a can of Red Devil lye buried at tips of branches. You cant get it now, and it was simply something the pecans liked.

Kitt - I have acorns, neighbors have pecans. And are you really saying that next year's pecans are on the tree now? Is that how it works? (never had a pecan tree) Got a bumper crop of squirrels, My neighbor says she does too. Squirrels can really drive me up a wall! I read that they can run 20 mph. Probably why they can dodge a lot of cars. But I digress.

I'm bad about starving my plants and trees. Have good intentions. I use whatever's handy. Liquid Seaweed, Fish Emulsion (yum), Garrett Juice, Hasta-Gro, etc. Recently Howard Garrett came out with 1 more product: Garrett Juice Tree Tonic with Mycorrhizae & Soil Bacteria. It's distributed by a Ft. Worth company called Good Natured. Says it 0.5 - 1.5 - 0.5. I was watering my magnolia like a crazy woman tonight and then it was too dark and too late to use the tonic. Don't know when I'll be able to do it. Having my eyeball cut up tomorrow and post-op instructions include no lifting. Dang it. I'm outta here. Got to get a little sleep before the anesthesia knocks me out. (Like my logic?)

Pecan trees need 2 to fertilize the fruit. Pecans have both male/female flowers, but not at the same time. So yes, your next yr crop is on the tree now. If your trees are dry, little tiny fast roots reach out and grab the liquad - fertilize under the canopy where the branches reach their farthest as well. Not sure how you apply, I always broadcasted then watered the nitrogen in before it dissipated into the air. Or deep soaked, came back nex day and applied with a sprinkle after. Deep soaking is good for pecans. Not for oaks, tho

Sadly, I never fertilize the tree. The squirrels have always gotten to everything so it seems like a lost cause. Great tips here- thanks everyone!