Posts by Lenny Wells | UGA Pecan Extension

About Lenny Wells

I am a Professor of Horticulture and Extension Horticulture Specialist for pecans at the University of Georgia. My research and extension programs focus on practical cultural management strategies that help to enhance the economic and environmental sustainability of pecan production in Georgia.

Flying Squirrels Strip Bark From Pecan Trees

May 16, 2017 | Written by Lenny Wells

Many growers have recently called about the bark being stripped from their trees. This normally occurs on smooth-barked limbs or central leaders 3″ or less in diameter. The culprits here are flying squirrels. When food sources become scarce, flying squirrels will strip the bark off smooth barked branches to feed…
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Mouse Ear

May 2, 2017 | Written by Lenny Wells

Pecan tree affected by mouse ear Each year it seems there is a particular problem that pops up a little more commonly than normal. So far this year, I would say that problem is mouse ear. If you notice small, rounded leaflets or in severe cases, extreme rosette of the…
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Insect update – Budmoth

Apr 21, 2017 | Written by Lenny Wells

Here’s an update from UGA Entomologist Will Hudson on budmoth: We’ve dodged ambrosia beetles for the most part, but lots of growers with young trees are seeing budmoth damage now. This pest is common in orchards but doesn’t do enough damage in larger trees to be noticeable. Small trees, especially…
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The Problem with Late Stuarts

Apr 13, 2017 | Written by Lenny Wells

‘Stuart’ tree (left) surrounded by ‘Money Maker’ (right) and other cultivars on 4/13/2017 If you have spent any time in pecan orchards in Georgia over the last couple of weeks you have noticed budbreak progressing on most varieties with one particularly notable exception. At this point Stuart is further behind…
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Pruning of Pecan Trees Can Be Done At Any Time

Apr 6, 2017 | Written by Lenny Wells

Spring snuck up on many people, some of which have not gotten around to pruning their pecan trees yet. Not to worry. Pecan trees are normally pruned during the dormant season because it is easier to see what needs to be pruned and easier to access and make the cut….
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Pecan Beginners Course Approaching

Apr 3, 2017 | Written by Lenny Wells

The Pecan Beginners Course is approaching soon. The event will be held April 18 at the UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center. Registration is available here: Pecan Beginners Registration. See previous post for program agenda,etc.
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Budbreak Has Arrived

Mar 28, 2017 | Written by Lenny Wells

Budbreak on ‘Cape Fear’ pecan, March 25, 2017 Budbreak has arrived in pecan orchards throughout Georgia. This puts our budbreak timing pretty close to last year thanks to the cooler weather of a couple of weeks ago. It seems that we narrowly missed serious damage from the freeze that occurred;…
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