Before planting, there are several things you need to consider about your site. To check your internal soil drainage, dig a post hole 32 inches deep and about 8 inches wide. Fill the hole with 5 to 7 gallons of water. If the hole is empty during the first 24 hours, your drainage is good. If it takes 24-48 hours for the water to drain, your drainage is adequate. If the hole still contains water after 48 hours, you need to use raised beds or install drain tiles to remove the excess water. The soil should be at least 3 feet deep for fruit trees and 5 feet deep for pecan trees. A soil test is used to determine the fertility and pH of your soil. Contact your local county extension office for information on how to collect the sample and where to send it for testing. Incorporate the recommendations provided on your soil test report before planting trees.

Question answered by Dr. Charles Graham, Pecan Research-Extension Station horticulturist.