Growth Habits
Avocado trees have a wide range of growth habits, from sprawling bushes to tall trees that can reach up to 40 feet. Depending on what type of tree you have, it will affect its care and yield. To determine what type of tree you have, it’s important to look at its growth habit. For example, dwarf trees will be small and compact, while a vigorous tree may be sprawling and unruly. If the tree is tall and upright, it could be a “high-density” tree that can support a greater number of fruit.
Flowering
Avocados are tropical trees that are classified as “self-fertile” meaning they produce both male and female flowers at the same time. But, the flowers may be different depending on the type of tree. Some will have showy, red or purple blooms while others may be white or yellow and lack the striking appearance of other varieties. Therefore, examining the tree’s flowering pattern can help you determine what type of avocado tree you have.
Fruit
The fruit itself can provide clues about what type of tree you have. Different varieties have distinct shapes and sizes, and some have unique characteristics that can help you to determine their identity. For example, the “Hass” avocado is known for its bumpy, dark-pebbly skin and pear-like shape, while the “Fuerte” variety has pear-shaped fruit that is large and smooth-skinned.
Climate
Avocado trees are not all equally suited for every climate. While some, such as the “Hass” tree, can thrive in more temperate climates with cold winters, others may need the warmth of subtropical regions. Therefore, your climate can help you identify what type of avocado tree you have.
Native Areas
Many varieties of avocados are native to certain parts of the world. If you know the origin of the tree, that can help you determine what type of tree it is. For example, the “Fuerte” avocado is native to Mexico, while the “Hass” is native to California. By asking yourself where the tree may have been sourced from, you can get a better sense of what type it is.
Pruning and Maintenance
If you already have an established avocado tree, the pruning and maintenance practices you use can help you determine what type of it is. For example, some trees require more pruning to create a strong frame, while others are best pruned in late spring for better fruit production. Additionally, some varieties have different nutritional needs that require specific fertilizers to ensure healthy growth.
Seeking Professional Help
If you are still unsure of what type of avocado tree you have, don’t hesitate to reach out to experts. Extension agents and Master Gardeners can provide invaluable advice, including identifying the type of tree you have. Additionally, they can provide tips on how to grow and care for your tree and help you maximize your harvest.
Analyzing Tree Bark
The bark of an avocado tree can also provide clues about its type. For example, the “Hass” tree has rough, black bark, while the “Fuerte” tree has an orange-brown hue. Other varieties such as the “Lamb” avocado tree have bark that is a silvery gray color. By analyzing the bark of your tree, you can get a better sense of what type of avocado tree you have.
Testing Leaves and Twigs
The leaves and twigs of an avocado tree can also help you determine its type. If the twigs are thin and flexible and the leaves of the tree are wide, thin and light in color, then you likely have a “Hass” variety. Conversely, if the twigs are thick and stiff and the leaves are dark and leathery, it could mean you have a “Fuerte” variety.
Inspecting the Roots
The root system of your avocado tree can also provide valuable clues about its type. “Hass” trees have deep, lateral roots that spread out away from the trunk, while “Fuerte” trees have shallow and fibrous root systems that are close to the trunk. Additionally, the roots of some varieties may have a “U” shape, which can help you to identify the tree’s type.
Examining the Fruit
The fruit of an avocado tree can provide further evidence about its type. For example, fruits of the “Hass” variety are usually smaller and more pear-shaped with a bumpy, textured skin and a purple-black color when ripe, while the “Fuerte” fruits are larger and oval-shaped with a thin, smooth skin and a green-yellow color when ripe.
Conclusion
Determining what type of avocado tree you have can help you to properly care for it and maximize its yield. Analyzing the tree’s growth habit, flowering, fruit, and climate are some of the most important steps in identifying its type. Additionally, taking a closer look at its bark, leaves, twigs, roots, and fruit can help you to get a better sense of what type of avocado tree you have.
