10 
WOLFE’S PECAN NURSERY 
SHADING 
Shading by growing crops is not a success except in irrigated districts^ Where we 
depend upon rainfall we should use an arlifical shade. This can be done by taking a 
plank, 1 in. by 6 in., and 2 ft. longer than the tree after pruning. This should be sharp¬ 
ened and driven into the ground one foot, placing it 8 inches from the tree on 
southwest, where it will break sun rays from one o’clock to four o’clock in the after¬ 
noon. Shading under irrigation can be done with hubam clover, planted thin on the 
ground on north side and west side of tree. Plant this in the spring, and this will 
remain green until sometime in August, it should be left standing until late fall. 
Halbert six months after we sold it to W. M. Wright, producing six nuts. 
PRUNING 
All trees in commercial plantings should be pruned back at least eighteen inches 
from the ground. It is better to let the nurseryman do this at the time of packing tiee 
for shipping.During the first growing season, no pruning needs to be done. The follow¬ 
ing winter, the tree should be pruned to the most vigorous upright limb, cutting side 
limbs back to three inches of main body. About one inch of the limb left should be tak¬ 
en out so it will no,, form a bad crotch. The head can be formed at any he'ght 
desired if plenty of side limbs are left to protect body of tree. But m no case adon 
side limbs to interfere with growth of the main limb. Prune back at any lime of year 
but not so severely as to let the sun in on trunk. A pecan head should be built from 
three or five scaffold limbs, coming out from the main trunk at intervals of one foot to 
eighteen inches and in a whorl. This is termed a modified leader. Avo d all finger 
crotches. Thumb crotches will stand high winds and heavy fruitage. 
