Avocado trees are fairly easy to grow, and whether you have a few trees in your backyard or a big orchard, then you need to make sure they are getting enough water without over watering them. While it is true that the the avocado tree is a tough breed, it rains ornot, the good news is that it intake the right amount of water and nutrition in order to thrive – so you have to make sure that it never gets a surplus.
Overwatering an avocado tree can lead to a number of problems. It can contribute to root rot, which is caused by overwatering and inadequate drainage. The water is able to get trapped in the soil and the roots are not able to get proper oxygen. There can be a build up of fungi and bacteria that leads to root rot, stunted growth, and eventual death of the tree.
The signs of an overwatered avocado tree are not difficult to spot. The leaves can become yellow and dry, and the foliage will be sparse. This is due to the excess water depriving the tree’s roots of oxygen and impeding its ability to absorb essential nutrients from the soil. There might be water seeping from the root system and the trunk, as well as fungal growth visible.
There is no clear-cut answer as to how much water an avocado tree needs but there is a general guideline. During the first year after planting, you should water the tree twice a week with 1 gallon of water. In subsequent years, depending on the weather, you should water the tree once a week and increase the amount of water to 3 gallons. If the soil is dry, then you may need to increase the amount of water.
Experts also recommend observing your avocado tree, and use that to gauge the amount of water it needs. Dig around the tree’s perimeter and check for soil wetness. If the soil feels cool to the touch and it is slightly damp, then you can avoid watering the tree. Many gardeners prefer to use a moisture meter, which is a more accurate way to determine the soil moisture level.
You can also protect the tree from over watering by adding mulch to the soil around the tree. The mulch helps hold the moisture in the soil and also protects it from both drafts and excessive sun.
Choose the Best Soil
Over watering an avocado tree is not the only issue you need to be aware of. The type of soil plays an important role in the health and well-being of the tree. You should always look for the soil which is high in organic matter and able to hold the moisture, but which still drains well. This will help prevent root rot, which can occur when the water is unable to drain away and the roots are left sitting in it.
Fertilize Properly
Avocado trees need to receive the right amount of fertilizer in order to stay healthy. Too much fertilizer can lead to problems, just like overwatering. You should be aware of the nutrients in your fertilizer because if there are too much nitrogen present, it can make the leaves dark green and force them to grow quickly, leading the tree to use too much water.
Provide Shade
Avocado trees need plenty of sunlight, but they also need some protection from heat and direct sunlight. You can provide enough shade to the tree by planting companion trees, or by putting something up like a net or a canvas, which allows the air to circulate, but will also protect the tree from too much sun.
Check for Insects
Insects can cause their own problems by disrupting the tree’s natural cycle. Pests, such as mealy bugs, can be an issue. These insects often cause problems like wilting, leaf drop, and stunted growth. Therefore, it is important to regularly check and monitor the tree for any pests, so that you can take action right away.
Choose the Right Location
The location where you plant your avocado tree is also important. The soil should drain well, and the area where the tree is planted should not be prone to excessive winds and draft. Also, avoid planting it in an area that receives a lot of direct sunlight.
Check for Disease
Avocado trees are susceptible to some disease, so it is important to monitor the tree for signs of any diseases. This includes looking out for any yellowing of the foliage, wilting of the leaves and an absence of fruit or a drop in yields. If you do notice any of these signs, then you may need to seek professional advice to deal with the problem.
Prune the Tree
Pruning your tree on a regular basis will help it shape up and keep it from becoming overgrown. Pruning can also help control the size of the tree, which can be important if you have limited space to work with. Pruning the tree can be done with either hand-pruners or electric pruners, depending on how dense and large the tree is.
