Propagation of the Pecan 49 



plete protection until it is healed. Otherwise large cavities 

 from decayed wood may develop. 



Top-working of pecans is very difficult even with the 

 very best stock and under the most favorable weather con- 

 ditions. It is practically useless to undertake this unless the 

 work is done by a skilled operator and the topped tree is to 

 be given proper care and attention. 



However, when the right stock is used, when the work is 

 properly done, and when good aftercare is given, it is entirely 

 practical as well as profitable to top-work pecans to improved 

 varieties. Furthermore, it can be performed very econom- 

 ically, especially when compared with the increase made in 

 the value of the tree. The pecan has the ability to heal over 

 wounds easily and quickly. AVhen once well established it 

 recovers from severe injuries more quickly than almost any 

 other tree, either native or cultivated. A ^dgorous healthy 

 pecan that has been successfully top-worked renews its top 

 rapidly and will often begin to produce improved nuts in two 

 to three years. The fact that a tree is barren makes no 

 difference in results secured after top-working. 



The trees that can be top-worked most easily and econom- 

 ically are those varying in height from two to three feet, 

 with a diameter of one to two inches, up to thirty-five to 

 forty feet high with a diameter of eight to twelve inches. 

 It is possible to work much larger trees, but it requires great 

 care and good judgment in the placing of buds or cions in 

 order to secure satisfactory results. They also require very 

 careful after treatment. 



In the pecan belt there are many old fields where the virgin 

 pecan timber has been removed and sprouts have retaken the 

 land. These sprouts are often thick enough to permit thin- 



