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Before you plant pecan trees, test your soil because the results will help you to determine what type of fertilizer, and how much of it, you need to apply. Pecan trees need a boost of nitrogen and zinc once or twice per year, and seldom need phosphorus and potassium. If your soil is rich in nitrogen and zinc, use only a diluted form of fertilizer that contains these nutrients. Pecan trees grow slowly during their first year of life. You might see only 12 to 36 inches of growth the first year, regardless of fertilizer. It is not necessary to fertilize slowly growing young trees. If you see rapid growth, broadcast a 21-0-0 fertilizer around the trees' drip line in late winter and again in May. Do not allow the fertilizer to touch the trunk. Trees that are from two- to five-years-old prefer this same strength of fertilizer about 1 foot from the trunk to beyond the drip line. Even the correct fertilizer that you apply at the correct time cannot make up for lack of water, poor soil, shady conditions or plant diseases and insects. After five years of age, pecan trees, especially native species, have low fertilizer requirements. If you miss fertilizing your trees one year, they will likely survive. But without adequate, deep, frequent water (once per week year-round), do not expect your pecan trees to prosper. Fertilizer spikes, which are available at nurseries and considered convenient by many gardeners, are not recommended for pecan trees because they can deliver too much fertilizer and burn the roots.