Avocado trees are increasingly popular in home gardens, and they are easy to grow once the basics of tree care are understood. However, the success of an avocado tree will largely depend on how much water it gets. This article will provide an overview of how much water newly planted avocado trees need and how to go about ensuring the trees get adequate moisture to stay healthy.
Although every new tree should be treated individually, as a general rule a newly planted avocado tree will require around 5 gallons of water per week. This means that a young tree should receive a deep watering every 7-10 days. In hotter climates, the water will need to be more frequent, with the need for smaller, more frequent waterings.
In the first years of growth, it’s especially important to water deeply. Deep watering helps encourage deep root growth and ensures that the tree stays properly hydrated. Tree experts recommend soaking the soil to a depth of 12-18 inches. During dry spells, gardeners should check the soil frequently to ensure that it is not drying out too quickly.
To promote healthy root and tree growth, avocado trees should be planted in soil that drains well. A soil mixture of 2 parts sand, 2 parts loam, and 1 part peat is recommended for general gardening tasks, but a soil-testing kit can be used to measure the pH and mineral levels. This soil mixture can be augmented with fertilizers as needed, making sure to follow the instructed dilution ratios.
Some gardeners choose to mulch their trees, which helps keep the soil moist and cools down the roots. A thick layer of coarse wood chips or bark mulch, which can run along the drip line (the area on the ground just beyond the edge of the canopy), can also help conserve moisture. Mulch should not touch the trunk of the tree and should be kept away from the base of the tree.
Finally, one of the most important tips for watering avocado trees is to avoid overwatering. Overwatering can lead to root rot and cause serious problems for the tree. To gauge how much water an avocado tree is getting, an inexpensive moisture meter can be used. Moisture meters are easy to use, and help gardeners determine how much water the avocado tree is receiving.
Certain Conditions disrupt regular Watering
However, certain conditions can disrupt the general watering pattern for avocado trees. Trees that get a lot of shade will need less water than trees that get full sun. If the trees are planted near the coast and get a lot of wind, the leaves may dry out quickly and need to be watered more frequently. Also, established avocado trees tend to have more extensive root systems and have less need to be watered so frequently.
In addition, watering can be adjusted according to the seasons. During the winter, when the tree has gone dormant and growth has slowed, the need for water will be reduced. Additionally, arid or dry climates will typically require more water than humid climates.
Helpful Tips For Checking Soil Moisture
Gardeners need to be sure to monitor the moisture of the soil near the base of their trees. There are several useful indicators for determining the moisture level of a tree’s soil. For instance, when the soil is dry a finger inserted into the dirt will emerge clean and white. On the other hand, when the soil is wet, a finger in the dirt will come out covered in mud.
Also, when soil is dry, the leaves of the tree may become droopy or wilted. This is a sign that the tree needs more water. On the other hand, if the branches are heavy with green and leafy foliage, the tree is likely getting enough water. It is recommended to monitor these indicators regularly to ensure the tree is properly hydrated. Discolored or yellowing leaves are an additional indicator of water deficiency.
Inspect the Leaves and Bark
In addition to monitoring soil moisture, gardeners should inspect the leaves and bark of the trees to ensure they are not lacking water. The leaves should look healthy and green, and the bark should be firm. If the leaves are turning yellow or wilting and the bark is becoming loose or cracking, this is a sign of water deficiency.
Inspecting the surrounding environment for other possible causes can also be helpful; for example, if the tree is located in a spot where it is getting blasted by the glare of the sun, this would cause excessive wilting of the leaves and prompt gardeners to provide more moisture. Finally, if a tree has been recently transplanted, it can take a few weeks for the root system to become properly established – during this period of time, extra water will be needed.
Watering Frequency
In general, it’s good to stick to a regular watering schedule. However, during dry or hot spells the water can become depleted faster. Gardeners should keep an eye on the soil and adjust the irrigation schedule as needed. If a tree receives insufficient water, the leaves will start to wilt and discolor; this may be accompanied by a drooping of the foliage and in extreme cases, the bark can start to crack.
It is also important to avoid over-watering. Signs of over-watering include yellowing of the foliage, wilting and discoloration of the leaves, and root rot in extreme cases. Avocado trees need the right balance of water, so gardeners should monitor their trees closely and adjust the irrigation schedule as needed.
Time of day to water
The ideal time to water avocado trees is early in the morning, before the heat of the day sets in. This allows the water to stay in the soil for the longest possible period; however, gardeners should avoid early evening watering, which can cause the leaves to stay wet for too long and leaves the tree vulnerable to fungal diseases.
In addition, gardeners should not water avocado trees in the afternoon, when the temperature is highest. The water will evaporate too quickly and the tree won’t get enough moisture. Additionally, the water will often sit longer in the soil, leaving the tree vulnerable to disease.
Don’t Forget the Mulch
It is also important to use mulch, which will help to conserve moisture in the soil. A thick layer of mulch around the base of the tree will help to regulate soil temperature, as well as help to prevent evaporation. Mulch should also be kept away from the trunk of the tree to avoid rotting of the bark.
Finally, it is important to use water-efficient irrigation systems, such as soaker hoses or drip irrigation. This will help ensure that the water reaches the tree’s roots without running off or evaporating before it has time to be absorbed by the tree.
Monitoring Water Levels
Gardeners should monitor the moisture levels near their avocado tree. If the leaves and bark look healthy, this indicates the tree is getting enough water. If the soil and leaves appear dry, then it’s time to increase water levels. Gardeners should also pay close attention to the weather and adjust the irrigation schedule accordingly.
When done correctly, watering a newly planted avocado tree doesn’t have to be a daunting task – all it takes is a bit of extra attention and vigilance. As long as the soil is moist and the tree is getting the right amount of water, it will grow into a healthy, vibrant tree.
