Fertilizing the Soil
Avocado trees need plenty of nutrients to grow strong and healthy and they will benefit from being fertilized with the right mix. Fertilization is best done in Spring and Autumn – in Spring the highest amount of nutrients should be applied and then the feeding program should be spaced out for the rest of the year. For avocado trees, a combination of nitrogen and potassium is ideal, as nitrogen boosts leaf growth and potassium helps the tree to flower and bear fruit. Organic fertilizers are preferable – manure, compost and seaweed are all great options and can be applied as a top-dressing around the tree.
Watering Frequently
Avocado trees need a lot of water in order to grow, but they also don’t like their roots to get water-logged. They need a moderate amount of water to thrive and should be watered deeply and regularly during the growing season. As avocado trees are evergreen, they need to be watered even during the winter months, however during colder weather the amount of water should be reduced. It is best to give the tree a deep watering every week or so and to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Providing Protection From Pests and Diseases
Avocado trees are vulnerable to pests and diseases and so it is important to protect them from any potential threats. Pests such as aphids and mites can be controlled with an appropriate pesticide, whilst diseases such as fungal infections can be avoided by ensuring that the soil around the tree is well-draining, as wet soil can create an ideal environment for fungal growth. Pruning regularly can help to reduce the risk of pests and disease, as dead or diseased branches can be removed quickly, preventing the spread of infection.
Using Mulch
Using mulch around the base of an avocado tree can help to retain moisture in the soil, which is essential for growth. Mulching also helps to restrict weed growth, which can be damaging to the tree’s roots. For the best results, a thick layer of mulch should be applied around the base of the tree, taking care to keep it away from the trunk.
Making Use of Humus
Using humus or compost around an avocado tree can help to improve the quality of soil and provide vital nutrients. The humus should be mixed into the top soil surrounding the tree and worked into the ground to a depth of around 20cm. Using humus or compost in this way helps to boost the tree’s growth rate by providing essential nutrients and improving levels of water retention.
Creating a Microclimate
Avocado trees thrive in warm, sunny environments and will benefit from the protection of a microclimate. This can be achieved by planting other trees and shrubs around the avocado tree to provide shade and shelter, protecting it from wind and snow. Planting flowering plants can attract bees to the area, helping to increase pollination around the avocado tree and boosting its fruit production.
Controlling the Soil Acidity
Soil pH is an important factor in the growth of avocado trees, as they like a slightly acidic soil. If the soil has a higher pH level, this can be corrected with sulfur, whilst a lower pH can be raised with lime. A soil test will tell you the exact pH of the soil and if necessary, adjustments can be made with the appropriate material.
Start Pruning the Tree Early
Pruning is an important part of keeping an avocado tree healthy and is best done when the tree is young, as this will encourage a strong, bushy shape. Pruning a young tree encourages multiple branches which provide the basis for good shape as the tree matures. It also reduces overcrowding, allowing the tree to take in more sunlight and increasing the amount of flowers and fruit it can bear.
Keeping the Tree Watered During Drought Conditions
Avocado trees are highly susceptible to damage during periods of extreme heat and low humidity. To protect the tree in a heatwave, it should be kept well-watered during the day, however night-time watering should be avoided as this can lead to fungal infections. To help retain moisture in the soil, the tree should be mulched heavily and the soil around its base should be kept free of weeds.
Adding Compost and Manure to the Soil
Adding manure and compost to the soil around the tree can help to improve its quality and provide vital nutrients. Manure is a great source of nitrogen, which is necessary for leaf growth, whilst compost helps to increase levels of organic matter and improves water retention in the soil. Applying manure and compost regularly will help to ensure the tree is receiving the nutrients it needs to grow quickly and healthily.
Providing Regular Nutrient Boosts
In addition to fertilizing the tree in Spring and Autumn, it is also beneficial to give the tree regular nutrient boosts throughout the growing season. A specially formulated nutrient mix designed for avocado trees can be added to the soil, or diluted liquid seaweed can be applied a few times during the year. This will provide the tree with a boost of necessary nutrients, encouraging stronger growth and healthier fruit production.
Creative Tools for Faster Growth
Creative techniques such as using recycled water and old household items can be employed to help encourage faster growth in an avocado tree. Using a compost tea to water the soil, for example, can provide the tree with all of the essential nutrients it needs. Alternatively, old plastic bottles with the bottom cut off can be used to create mini-greenhouses around the tree, helping to create the optimal growing conditions.
Growing From Cuttings
Growing avocado trees from cuttings is a great way to get them to grow much faster. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature avocado trees and planted in well-draining pots before being transplanted into the soil. Cuttings have a much higher success rate than planting seedlings, and so this can be a great way to get an avocado tree to grow quickly.
Planting in the Right Place
When it comes to avocado trees, planting them in the right place is essential for encouraging the best growth. Avocado trees need a lot of sunlight, so they should be planted in a sunny spot that gets at least six hours of sunlight a day. They also need protection from strong winds, so they should be planted in a sheltered spot if possible.
Grafting Techniques
Grafting is a technique that has been used for many centuries and is a great way to encourage an avocado tree to grow quickly. This involves taking a bud from a mature and healthy avocado tree and grafting it onto an existing tree. By doing this, the taproot of the tree will be shortened, allowing the tree to establish itself quickly and start fruiting much sooner.
Regulating Pests and Diseases
Pests and diseases can be a major problem for avocado trees, but there are a few steps that can be taken to reduce the risk. Pruning the tree regularly will help to keep it healthy and reduce overcrowding, which can be a vector for pests. Keeping the tree well-watered in hot, dry weather is essential, as drought conditions can make the tree more vulnerable to attack. Finally, using an appropriate pesticide regularly can help to reduce the risk of pests and disease.
