I have one pecan tree that is four years old and is about three feet tall. It was started from a seed and is doing very well. My question is does it need another pecan for cross pollination and if so can I graft another variety to the one I have to make the tree self-pollinating? I ask this because there are no other pecan trees in our area. Maine and pecans usually do not come into the same conversation. But I try to push the envelope and grow plants that can't grow here. I think this pecan will do just fine for it survived this winter which was the worst we have had in many years. Any help on this subject would be appreciated.

Swizzle I too have one pecan tree. Pennsylvania isn't known for pecans either. It would be best to plant two for cross pollination, wish I would of known that years ago. They're closely related to hickory trees but not sure if they help in pollination. On a sad note, It takes 17 years to get pecans when grown from seed. I planted mine in 1980 and got my first crop in 1997, so it does take quite awhile. The tree produces a fair amount, some hollow and some good but I usually only get a handful of pecans because there are so many squirrels and chipmunks. Plant another or two while you have a chance.

Tony, 
If the pecan isn't accessible from another tree in the canopy try attaching an 18" piece of flashing completely around the tree trunk starting at 3' up off the ground. It's what we do here to keep the squirrels out of them.

Tami Thanks for the tip. That would work but there are a few tall bushes under the pecan. Hmmm I might have to redo some landscaping. I'm sure that would cut down on my losses. The only squirrels that would gave access to it would be the flying squirrels which I've only seen on occasion. When I was younger I had one for a pet and of course his name was "Rocky" the flying squirrel.

Tony,

If I grafted onto the one I have now would, it then be a self pollinating tree?

I graft pecans for a local grower that produces about 300,000 trees per year. It is late in the season and we only have a few varieties of scion wood left but I could send one if you want one.

Swizzle I'm no expert on pecan growing but you might want to take Hershell's offer. Especially if space is limited and you may cut bearing time down.

Sorry to report this but there is no variety of pecan that will mature nuts in Maine. There simply isn't enough heat. So you can graft or not and it won't make any difference. Even the warmest areas of New England are questionable for pecan. Their native range extends into Iowa but not by much.

I have more pecan seedlings, 2 years old now. They had not grown much yet.
At what age or size could they be grafted?
Can anyone send grafting scions to Europe?
What cultivars give good and reliabe crop?
Thanks!

It would probably take too long to send them to Europe as they need to be refrigerated until just prior to grafting them.