Basic Pruning Techniques
Avocado trees can require pruning in order to ensure healthy growth, avoid disease and scale back size. It is important to be aware of some basic techniques of pruning before attempting the task. Firstly, use a clean pair of sharp pruning shears and sterilize the blades with 1 part bleach to 9 parts of water prior to use. Make sure to understands the different parts of the plants and trim away any dead wood or branches.
Secondly, for each limb that is pulled away, make sure to wound the remaining tree where the trimming has taken place. This can be done by creating a smooth cut that follows the same angle and is up to a quarter of an inch larger than the branch itself. After the cutting has been made, place sealant or wound paint to avoid infections.
Thirdly, it is important to regulate how far into the tree the pruners go. As a general rule of thumb, do not cut patially through the branch. This can cause the potential damages of splitting. Additionally, it is important to leave enough branch for bud development.
Chainsaw Pruning
Chainsaw pruning is an advanced technique of pruning an avocado tree. This should only be done by an experienced tree pruner, as the wrong angle or level of trimming can cause damage to the tree. When using a chainsaw to prune and avocado tree, is important to avoid cutting close to the branch collar. This is the area between the branch and the tree’s trunk. Additionally, be sure to only use chainsaws that are meant for tree pruning, as there are special ones designed for the job.
Staking and Tying
Staking and tying is another pruning technique that should only be done by an experienced tree pruner. The objective of this method is to reduce the tree’s weight while increasing stability. After the tree is pruned, attach one end of the stake to the tree. Then, loop the other end around the stake, tying off to secure in place. Make sure not to over-tighten the rope or string, as this can cause damage to the bark of the trunk.
Foliar Pruning
Foliar pruning is a method that can help in regulating the size of an avocado tree when done periodically. It consists of cutting back the entire crown of leaves and some branches. When the crown is trimmed properly, it can help grow healthy fruit. This type of pruning can be carried out with both hand pruners and a lopping saw. It is important to be careful when carrying out this technique, as over-pruning can lead to sunburn which can kill the canopy of the tree.
Pruning for Disease Control
Pruning is an effective way of controlling disease in an avocado tree. Certain diseases, such as citrus canker, can be spread through pruning tools that are not properly disinfected. It is important to properly sterilize pruning shears and any other tools used in the pruning process to avoid the spread of such diseases. Additionally, make sure to regularly check the tree for any signs of disease before and after pruning.
Climbing
Climbing is an advanced technique of pruning an avocado tree and should only be done by an experienced tree pruner. When using this method, a harness and climbing rope are needed. The pruner should then be placed in the tree at the highest branches and use their hands or pruning shears for trimming the areas that are hard to reach. The goal of this method is to evenly trim the avocado tree, lightening its weight and providing stability.
Pruning an Avocado Tree for Profitability
When pruning an avocado tree for maximum profitability, it is important to find the proper balance between enough pruning and avoiding over-pruning. Over pruning can lead to fewer flower production and can also reduce the overall health and size of the tree. As such, it is necessary to gradually trim the tree, one branch or leaf at a time to ensure healthy regrowth. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the growing season and the best times to prune. This can be found through researching the variety of avocado tree and its growth patterns.
Root Pruning
Root pruning is a technique used to allow the roots of an avocado tree to spread out and provide more stability to the tree. This method is done by trimming away the outer roots up to eight inches in order to avoid over pruning. In some cases, it is necessary to use a spade or shovel for the task. After the pruning is done, the edges of the soil should be packed down, mulch should be added and a fertilizer should be applied to encourage healthy root growth.
Pruning Young Trees
When pruning a young avocado tree, it is important to approach the job methodically. Start by making sure that all dead, weak and damaged branches are removed. This will encourage new and healthy growth. Additionally, removing the lower branches will allow for more sunlight to reach the canopy and aid the growth of the tree. It is important to remember to follow the same steps listed previously and clean pruning instruments prior to use.
Fruit Thinning
Fruit thinning is a pruning technique that can help avoid over production of fruits and can ensure healthy growth of the tree. The process consists of removing a few fruits from each branch of the tree. The purpose of this technique is to stress the avocado tree and encourage it to put more energy into a smaller number of fruits, allowing for larger, healthier fruits.
Pruning for Shade
When pruning an avocado tree to create shade, it is important to start with the lower branches as they can block the most amount of sunlight and be a hindrance to the tree. Additionally, leave enough branches around the canopy of the tree that are dense with leaves in order to provide enough shade. It is important to note that when pruning for shade, the location and angle of the pruning are important. For example, the goal should be to create a lateral spread and to not trim too close to the center of the tree.
Managing Pruned Debris
When pruning an avocado tree, it is important to dispose of the debris in the proper way. Pruned debris can contain disease and even parasites that can spread to the tree and other parts of the garden. As such, it is important to dispose of the debris in a location that is far enough from the tree and away from any other plants. Additionally, make sure to clean up the garden after pruning to avoid the spread of disease.
