Pecan trees, losing limbs? (house, activities, yard)

[NCproud]

I have 3 pecan trees over 25 years old. They appear to be quite healthy and produce rather well. I had a bumper crop last year and they look to do well again this year. The last 2-3 years I have been losing limbs. Not just small branches, but some of the larger ones. When this first started, I attributed it to the drought, but this year has been pretty wet for the most part. It has gotten to the point, they look thinned out.
Anyone else experience this? Is this normal due to the weight of the pecans?

[Native_Son]

Originally Posted by NCproud

I have 3 pecan trees over 25 years old. They appear to be quite healthy and produce rather well. I had a bumper crop last year and they look to do well again this year. The last 2-3 years I have been losing limbs. Not just small branches, but some of the larger ones. When this first started, I attributed it to the drought, but this year has been pretty wet for the most part. It has gotten to the point, they look thinned out.
Anyone else experience this? Is this normal due to the weight of the pecans?

It may or may not be normal.

Have you done any land-disturbing activities near to them? New driveway, graded yard, etc?

It's common for trees about to perish to produce "bumper crops" as they expend their last energy reserves reproducing... but a bumper crop doesn't mean they are about to perish either.

Are they near a house or car? If not, I wouldn't worry too much. Keep an eye out around the trunk for mushrooms. You can call an arborist who will certainly prescribe some sort of treatment that he/she can provide for just a few hundred dollars ( ).

If it were me I'd wait another season or two to see how they progress. The last few years have been hot and dry... so ALL trees are a little stressed right now.