Annular ring budding and patch budding are the two methods of budding pecan trees. Seedling pecans are usually budded in the nursery after 1 or 2 years of growth when stem diameter approaches ½ inch. Trees are budded in June, July or August when the buds are mature. If budded in the spring, the sap should be flowing and buds are from stored wood or from one year old wood. The bark of buds and stocks generally unite (as evidenced by callusing) in 3 or 4 weeks, at which time the wrap may be removed. The wraps can be left on until winter when stocks are cut back to just above the scion. Remove seedling shoots that grow along with the scion. Scions may require staking for several months to give them support.