Tools Needed to Prune an Avocado Tree
When taking on the task of pruning an avocado tree, it is important to first equip oneself with the right tools for the job. In order to make a successful prune, one needs a pair of good quality pruning shears, a good pair of gardening gloves, and a long-handled trowel. Pruning shears enable the pruner to make quick uniform cuts. Garden gloves are essential to protect the hands from sharp thorns and prickles. And the trowel is needed to gently loosen the soil around the tree root area in order to facilitate pruning of lower branches.
Safety Tips When Pruning An Avocado Tree
Safety is paramount when pruning an avocado tree. Before undertaking any pruning exercise, the pruner should take necessary precautions to protect themselves and other bystanders. It is necessary to use protective gears such as eye-wear, long-sleeved clothing and gardening gloves as they protect against sharp thorns and prickles. It is also important to be mindful to prune only healthy parts of the tree, stay away from electrical wires and power lines, and be aware of potential falling branches.
Types of Pruning for an Avocado Tree
When it comes to pruning an avocado tree, two types of pruning must be considered, formal and informal. Formal pruning is carried out to maintain the size and shape of the tree, and is usually done with a pruning scissors. Informal pruning is done for stimulating growth, and gardeners often prefer to use a gardener’s knife for this purpose. While the purpose of pruning is mainly to promote healthy growth, it is also important to take into consideration the type of avocado tree being pruned.
When to Prune an Avocado Tree
The timing of pruning an avocado tree is also critical. Generally speaking, the best time to prune an avocado tree is during the cooler months. This is because temperatures and humidity is lower, and less water loss will occur through transpiration. Pruning should also be avoided during the summer months when the tree is actively growing or when there are heavy rains. Pruning should also be done with the least amount of stress for the tree, meaning pruning should only be done when it is absolutely necessary.
Pruning Crown
When it comes to pruning a small avocado tree, it is important to focus on the crown. The crown of the tree is the area around the canopy, and pruning the crown is essential in order to maintain the desired size and shape of the tree. Pruning of the crown should be done with the utmost care, beginning with removal of dead, diseased and broken branches or twigs. Pruning of all branches should also be done in a balanced manner to maintain symmetry in the crown. When pruning, focus should be given to the branches that are growing inwards and those that are crossing, in order to prevent disruption of the overall balance of the tree.
Pruning Roots and Branches
Pruning roots and branches is also key when it comes to pruning a small avocado tree. When it comes to roots, pruning should be done with a long-handled trowel with the aim of loosening the soil around the roots of the tree, whilst being mindful of roots that are growing too close to the soil surface. When it comes to branches, pruning shears should be used to carefully remove any branch growth that is either growing too close to the main stem, or is overcrowding growth on the main stem. It is also important to prune lower branches of the tree regularly in order to prevent them from stealing energy and water from the rest of the tree.
Fertilization After Pruning
Fertilizing an avocado tree after pruning is essential in order to maximize the potential for growth. Fertilization ensures that the newly exposed parts of the tree are adequately supplied with the essential nutrients. These nutrients are needed to promote healthy growth, and correct fertilization can also promote flowering and higher yields. As such, fertilizer should be applied as soon as the pruning job is done, and done at the correct rates.
Conclusion
Pruning a small avocado tree requires a good knowledge of tools, safety, types of pruning, when to prune, and how to prune the crown and root separately. Getting it right can result in a more compact and balanced tree, with higher yields and healthier fruit. Fertilizing the tree after pruning is also a must in order to promote its growth and flowering.
