Thankful Thursday
I am so thankful for this amazing tree that is located down at the farm, and for the many hundred others that look just like this.
These trees are at least a 100 years old.
By looking at the trunk of the tree, you might say "there is no way that this tree is that old."
Here ↓↓↓↓ is the reason why!
100 year-old pecan trees managed strictly for graft wood (scion wood) have small trunks primarily because they are subjected to continuous, severe, and intentional pruning, which prevents them from developing a large, mature canopy and trunk structure.
You can see in this close up photo the many twist and turns on the branches of the tree... These are caused due to the yearly cutting of new growth for graft wood. ...... throughout the past 90 or so years.
These stock trees are only grown for graft wood..... NO Pecans come from these trees.
A simple pecan is planted one year, the next year the tree that shoots up from the pecan seed is grafted with the wood that comes from these specific trees .... the third year, the tree is ready to be sold.
This is what Pecan trees that have NOT been cut back for graft wood look like.
These trees produce actual Pecans...
I'm thankful for these old trees because they provide for our family...
Thousands of pecans are grafted each year and thousands of pecans trees are sold each year.
Shug.... 🌿
Joining Michelle
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What a cool tree! I've never seen a pecan tree before.
ReplyDeleteI just assumed that everyone has seen a pecan tree, but I can see how those who live up north haven't. Our state and many of the Southern states have many orchards. The growing of a pecan tree is a 3 year process and very interesting at that.
DeleteIf you hadn't told us this was a pecan tree, I'd never have guessed, Shug. My folks had lots of pecan trees where they lived for a time, but they were allowed to simply grow like any other tree. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteYes...the designated trees that are used for graft wood do not look like pecan trees. These trees are all across the farm and are marked for whatever type of tree they are such as pawnee, desirable, stuart and others. So many people have their preference on what kind of nuts they like. It's all a very interesting process.
DeleteHow wonderful to see so many pecan trees at the farm, Shug. They really are quite pretty standing straight and tall, and they look like sturdy trees too. And the best thing is they produce pecans, which are one of my favorite nuts. I put them in my oatmeal sometimes, and it gives it a special something. And pecan pie is actually one of my favs. I would have never guessed the trees were 100 years old. Thanks for the interesting info. on the pecan tree. I can see why you're thankful for them. I am loving the pictures of the trees you shared also.
ReplyDeleteI love pecans and they are so healthy for us....I even cook with pecan oil. Some of my kids do not like them which means when I make banana nut bread, I have to make two different batches. lol
DeleteThank you! ❤️
ReplyDeleteWould you believe that some of our grands will not eat anything with pecans in it. We are always telling them..."you need to learn to like pecans..they are healthy and pecan trees are how we make our living." they just laugh.
DeleteWhat an interesting read! I don't think I have ever seen a pecan tree before.
ReplyDeleteReally? They are so pretty and it is so fun to see how the clusters of pecans grow and then fall from the husk. Hope you get to see some.
DeleteWhat an enormous difference! The ones that are pruned look like fairy tale trees from a dark forest. And the greens in your last photo are stunningly beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThey do don't they Ginny. I love seeing a full grown pecan tree that produces lots of pecans. We do have some of these on the farm and they are beautiful.
DeleteBehind the Ponderosa Pine, Pecan trees are my favorite. Nevertheless, I didn't know about stock trees until today. Every day is a school day! (*grin*)
ReplyDelete