Avocado trees are an easy-to-care-for and themselves highly rewarding fruit tree. They can reach over twenty feet in height, producing large numbers of avocados every year. This article will take a look at how big avocado tree grow and explain why it’s such an excellent tree for the home orchardist.
An avocado tree’s size is dependent on several factors. First, the tree’s growing space will determine how big it can get. Most avocado trees planted in a home orchard benefit from being in well drained soil that comes with evening sun and plenty of room to spread. When planted in a pot, they won’t get too large. The type of avocado planted will also influence an avocado tree’s size. A large, standard-sized tree, like the Hass variety, will have a forty-foot canopy, while a dwarf variety will have a shorter canopy that only grows around twenty feet tall.
The rate of growth is also key to determining how big avocado tree grow. The trees usually grow between four and six feet a year, although they may reach up to eight feet in optimal growing conditions. Avocado trees typically take five to seven years to reach full maturity. While the varieties of the tree vary, a fully grown tree can reach up to forty feet tall, although many home orchards are successfully managed by pruning the canopy to twenty feet or less.
Those who choose to grow their own avocado typically start with a two or three-year-old tree that is about two to five feet tall. Though the tree’s roots will be well established by this stage, it is recommended that the tree spend at least six months in a pot before it is planted in the ground. Planting an avocado tree in the ground involves digging a large five by five foot hole, protecting the roots and the trunk from exposure to the sun, and providing regular irrigation and fertilization.
Trimming the canopy is important for keeping the avocado in good health. Pruning encourages new growth and prevents the canopy from becoming too dense and overcrowded. Branches can be cut close to the trunk, as most avocado varieties have the capacity to self-prune, meaning the limbs will break off as the tree expands outward. Pruning also helps maintain fruit quality which should be done in early summer.
It is important to be aware that avocado trees cannot freeze. If temperatures dip below 28 degrees Fahrenheit, the leaves will start to turn black from the cold and the bark will become brittle. The tree can then eventually die if the cold persists for too long. Avocados planted in a protected location or in a greenhouse or sunroom can still be affected by cold temperatures, so special care must be taken to ensure the safety of the tree and its fruits.
In sum, avocado trees are sizable but reachable trees to manage, with a variety of types, sizes and care practices to keep the fruit quality and growth steady. Avocado trees may not be the largest trees, but their fruiting and edible purposes make them worth the effort.
Influence Of Soil
Soil is essential to any plant’s growth and avocado trees are no exception. The type of soil will dictate the amount of water, air and nutrients available to the tree. The soil should be loose and loamy and should not have any soluble forms of nitrogen. In most cases, the soil should be well-drained, but when planted in a pot it should have some moisture retention as well. Additionally, it’s important to provide a consistent irrigation system so the tree does not become too dry and start to suffer from root rot or other fungi.
Furthermore, avocado trees require a soil pH between 6 and 6.5 and most soils may need to be amended to reach the optimal levels. Adding limestone can increase the pH while adding sulfur can decrease the pH of the soil. A mixture of mulch and compost will give the tree all the necessary nutrients and help it to retain moisture longer during the summer.
Harvesting Functionality
Most varieties of avocado trees start to bear fruit a few years after being planted and some will produce multiple harvests each year. Generally, the fruit can be harvested from mid-summer to mid-autumn and the tree should be covered from the sun until the fruit is ready. To determine when avocados are ready to be picked, simply check the color of the skin. A ripe avocado will feel slightly soft but not overly mushy. Applying a gentle twist to the fruit then gently pulling it away from the tree will help a home orchardist to determine the readiness of the fruit for picking.
For those looking to experiment with different harvesting methods, thinning is an option. Thinned avocados are picked early when they are between the size of an egg and a small lime as they are more likely to keep their flavor and texture. Thinning also encourages larger avocados in subsequent harvests. Home orchardists can also pick the avocados with a pair of pruning shears when the fruit is still green and will eventually become ripe.
Pests And Diseases
Avocado trees are somewhat susceptible to pests and diseases, as with any plant species. One common pest is the avocado thrips which are yellow insects that feed on the leaves of avocado trees. They can be managed by using beneficial nematodes and insecticides. Another pest to be wary of is the avocado lace bug which cause irregularly shaped dark or whitish spots on the leaves of the tree. Both insecticides and neem oil can help to prevent and control them. Additionally, the red scale is an orange-colored insect that feeds on the tree’s bark, leaves, and even fruit. They can be managed through biweekly applications of insecticides.
Disease-wise, the avocado tree is more susceptible to diseases in dry, sunny climates. The avocado tree is also vulnerable to anthracnose, a condition where brown spots appear on the fruits and leaves. This is usually caused by excessive water and limited air circulation. Regular pruning and ensuring that the tree has good air flow can help to prevent this from occurring. In addition, monitoring the watering of the tree is also important.
Population Increase
With the increasing popularity of avocados, many regions throughout the country are experiencing species of birds and animals attracted to the trace amounts of sugar present in the fruit. This can be beneficial to natural ecosystems as certain species feed off of the sugar, restoring balance in their native habitats. On the other hand, however, it can also create an influx of animals in domesticated areas. This increase in animal populations can endanger the safety of avocados grown in a home orchards. To avoid this, it is important to invest in animal-proof fences and fortify them with netting.
Furthermore, the avocado is gaining an increasingly large spot in the food industry. As it is used for a variety of dishes, from guacamole to even smoothies, it is unsurprising that the demand for avocados is increasing. Thus, prices of this fruit are likely to increases, making the cultivation of avocado trees much more lucrative for home orchardists.
Nutritional Benefits
Avocados are a nutrient-dense food, containing diverse vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, and potassium. In addition, they also contain high levels of dietary fiber and monounsaturated fatty acids, all of which can contribute to a healthy diet. Furthermore, avocados contain carotenoids, chemical compounds that may help to protect the body from certain types of cancers.
In terms of heart health, the monounsaturated fats present in avocados, have been shown to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Avocado is also a good source of vitamin E, a nutrient that helps to reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, and reduce the risk of stroke. For pregnant women, the vitamins, minerals, and fiber that avocados offer are vital for healthy cell growth and development.
Finally, avocados are a low-glycemic index food, which means that eating them can help to regulate blood sugar levels. By providing a sustained release of energy throughout the day, avocados help to keep hunger at bay, making them an ideal snack for those with diabetes.
