In a hydrocarbon-producing well penetrating an unconsolidated hydrocarbon reservoir, the azimuthal direction of the maximum in-situ horizontal compressive stress within the reservoir having non-uniform horizontal tectonic stresses surrounding the well is determined. Perforations are formed in the reservoir, or in the casing if the well is cased, oriented in the azimuthal direction of the determined maximum in-situ horizontal compressive stress. Thereafter, hydrocarbon production is initiated from the well through the perforations whereby the potential for sand production along with produced hydrocarbons is minimized.