how to prune an avocado tree

Pruning involves large branches, small branches and flowering branches. General avocado pruning principles are: Prune horizontal branches developing low to the ground, as these interfere with tree access. Push light into the tree interior, by cutting "windows" in the canopy.

1. When should avocado trees be pruned?
2. Can I cut the top off my avocado tree?
3. How do you prune an avocado tree to keep it small?
4. How do you prune an avocado plant?
5. Why does my avocado tree not fruit?
6. Do I need 2 avocado trees to get fruit?
7. Is coffee grounds good for avocado trees?
8. Will a potted avocado tree bear fruit?
9. How do I get my avocado tree to flower?
10. How do you keep an avocado tree healthy?
11. How much room does an avocado tree need?
12. Why are the leaves of my avocado plant turning brown?
13. What's wrong with my avocado tree?
14. How do you tell the difference between a male and female avocado tree?
15. Do you need a male and female avocado tree to produce fruit?
16. What is the lifespan of an avocado tree?

When should avocado trees be pruned?

The best time when to prune an avocado tree is really anytime, as long as you are doing a light pruning. If you wish to do a heavy pruning on your avocado tree, then you may want to wait until late winter or early spring, which is right before the active growing period for the tree.

Can I cut the top off my avocado tree?

Avocado trees benefit from pruning during the first two years to encourage branching. ... Snip the top of the avocado tree off when it reaches approximately 12 inches in height, cutting the tree back to 6 inches. Allow the tree to regain its original height then repeat the trimming.

How do you prune an avocado tree to keep it small?

You can do this by either cutting them with shears or pinching them. If you choose to pinch, do so to the lateral and vertical stems at least once every year. It will help maintain the size of the plant. As long as you leave an 8-inch length of stem, you can cut up to half the length of the stem.

How do you prune an avocado plant?

The first serious trimming should occur when the plant is only 12 inches tall. At that time, cut it back to 6 inches and allow for new leaves and stems to form. As it gets taller, pinch off new growth throughout the summer to force new branches to form, because avocado fruit develops on new growth.

Why does my avocado tree not fruit?

So one reason why an avocado won't produce fruit is simply because it is not a mature grafted variety. Also, avocados planted in USDA zones 9-11 can bear fruit, but if you are in a chillier region, the tree may survive but never set fruit. ... The most likely cause for no fruit on an avocado tree is its flowering pattern.

Do I need 2 avocado trees to get fruit?

For the best yields of fruit, two avocado trees are required. Avocado tree cultivars produce either type A flowers or type B flowers. Both flower types produce and are receptive to pollen at different times of day, and the best pollination and fruit set occur when type A and B avocado cultivars grow together.

Is coffee grounds good for avocado trees?

Avocados need nitrogen, first and foremost, and a little zinc. You can use a citrus tree fertilizer as an avocado fertilizer or go organic and use compost, coffee, fish emulsion, etc.

Will a potted avocado tree bear fruit?

Avocado trees are evergreen and need good light year round to bear fruit. Indoor trees need the sunniest, most south-facing windows in the house. ... An avocado tree grown from a pit could eventually bear fruit, of course, but that first fruit would be long in coming and of unpredictable quality.

How do I get my avocado tree to flower?

Avocados need a chilling period to promote flowering and fruit. They need to experience temperatures between 32 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit (0 to 7 C.) during the dormant period. The temperatures need to be fairly consistent for several months.

How do you keep an avocado tree healthy?

Water deeply and regularly; let the tree dry out slightly before watering again. To conserve moisture, mulch trees with 3 or 4 inches of coarse wood chips. Always leave several inches between the mulch and tree trunk. Some experts don't recommend fertilizing avocado trees the first year.

How much room does an avocado tree need?

If you have soil that doesn't drain well, work in sand or other gritty matter to increase its drainage. Also, you need to leave 8 to 10 feet (2.5-3 m.) from buildings and up to 30 feet (10 m.) of space apart when planting avocado trees.

Why are the leaves of my avocado plant turning brown?

Browning leaf tips are often a sign of salt burn, caused by a salt build up in the soil. ... Browning usually occurs on the old leaves first. This excess salt accumulates in the leaf edges, where it kills the tissue and the leaf dries out and turns brown. It's important to water deeply and slowly.

What's wrong with my avocado tree?

Avocado trees are troubled by relatively few pests, the most common of which are various root rot fungi, persea mite, and excess salt accumulations. Fungus is the most serious avocado disease in California.

How do you tell the difference between a male and female avocado tree?

The flower has both female and male organs, but they don't function at the same time. Each flower is female when it first opens. That is, its stigma will receive pollen from other avocado flowers, but its stamens (male organs) do not shed pollen at this first opening.

Do you need a male and female avocado tree to produce fruit?

Pollination: While avocado trees self-fertilize and produce fruit, yields should increase if both a Type A avocado tree and a Type B avocado tree are planted in order to increase the chances for successful pollination. The avocado tree has both functional male and female organs.

What is the lifespan of an avocado tree?

Avocado trees have a long life-span and keep on producing fruit for many decades after reaching maturity. A Hass avocado tree planted in 1926 is still fruiting, and avocado trees growing in the wild in Mexico have been known to live as long as 400 years.