Are you wondering why there are dead leaves on your avocado tree? It is normal for any plant – from avocado trees to houseplants – to lose some of its stability and, eventually, its leaves over time. But why is this happening to your avocado tree, and how can you prevent it?
Depending on the climate that your avocado tree grows in, the answer may vary. In climates where it is cold, windy, and rainy, the tree may lose leaves simply because it is not suited for the environment. For example, if the tree is being hit with strong winds or hail storm, or is freezing in the winter, it can cause stress and damage to the tree. This can lead to the dropping of leaves.
In addition to environmental stress, poor soil and lack of sun can lead to losing leaves. If you are planting your avocado tree in a place that has poor soil, high salinity, or is too shady, your tree will struggle to thrive and begin to show signs of stress. Any tree that does not receive enough sunlight will lack the nutrition it needs to grow and prevent the dropping of leaves.
Another possible reason why your avocado tree is losing leaves is due to diseases and pests. There is a host of different viruses, bacteria and pests that can kill an avocado tree, particularly if it is already weakened by environmental or soil factors. These include root rot, pythium blight, anthracnose, root knot nematodes, and mealybugs. If you think these may be the culprit, contact a local expert to confirm and treat the problem.
Finally, it may just be a simple case of over-watering. While avocado trees require a decent amount of water, too much can create an environment of too much moisture within the root system. This can lead to a lack of oxygen, which will cause the tree to drop its leaves. Water the tree only when the soil dries out several inches below the surface, with 1 – 2 inches of water to ensure the avocado tree’s roots are hydrated.
Identifying The Problem
The first step in fixing your avocado tree’s leaf-loss problem is to identify the exact reason why the leaves are falling off. As touched upon earlier, it could be environmental stress, poor soil or lack of sunlight, diseases and pests, or overwatering. Take note of any observations- the amount of sunlight, soil conditions, and the weather, as these can all influence the health of the tree.
It’s best to observe the tree in your own environment as closely as possible. It’s possible for a local expert to recommend treatments without actually seeing the tree in person, but being able to share things like the location, how the tree looks, and how it responds to certain treatments can help them identify and treat the problem more quickly and precisely.
If you’re not sure how to proceed after taking some notes and conducting your own investigation, contact a local horticultural specialist or arborist for assistance. They’ll be able to inspect the tree and recommend treatments based on their expertise.
Watering The Tree Properly
Whether your avocado tree is displaying symptoms of environmental stress, poor soil, lack of sunlight, diseases and pests, or overwatering, an important step to taking care of it is learning how to water it properly. As mentioned, too much water can lead to waterlogging, taking away the much-needed oxygen from the roots and leading to leaves falling off. Pay attention to the soil moisture levels and water your tree only when the soil is several inches below the surface.
The timing of watering is also very important. Watering an avocado tree in the early morning is ideal as this gives the tree the water it needs without encouraging evaporation of the top layer of soil. Evening watering is not ideal as the moist environment is more conducive to fungi development.
The amount of water the tree needs can depend on the type of soil, the climate and how often you water. Generally, avocado trees require 1-2 inches of water per week. Keep in mind that if you are in a hotter climate, the tree may need more water, whereas if your climate is cooler, less water is needed.
Protect The Tree From The Elements
Environmental stress can damage your avocado tree and cause leaves to fall off. To minimize damage, it is important to protect the tree from the elements. If the tree is planted in an area that is particularly exposed to wind and hail storms, add a windbreak such as a fence or shelter.
Likewise, if the temperature drops too low and is affecting the tree, add a heat lamp to provide extra warmth. If the tree is too exposed to the sun, create some shade with a sunshade cloth or simply prune the tree to reduce its exposure.
Finally, add a layer of mulch around the tree. This will help minimize water evaporation and insulate the roots.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing is also important for keeping your avocado tree healthy and preventing leaf-loss. Use a balanced fertilizer such as one composed of equal parts nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. Do not over-fertilize your tree as this can do more harm than good.
Give the tree a light application in the spring and early summer, and then a heavier application in the late summer, right before the tree’s fruiting season. Keep in mind, however, that fertilizer will not help if the tree has other more serious issues such as diseases or pests.
Pruning The Tree
Pruning an avocado tree is necessary to maintain its health and appearance, and also to enhance fruit production. Prune the tree to remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches, and to keep the tree balanced and looking attractive. Trim back the overgrown branches so that light is able to reach the innermost parts of the tree.
It is important to prune an avocado tree correctly, as an incorrect pruning technique can do more harm than good. If you are not confident with pruning, it is best to get an expert to help you.
Conclusion
Keeping your avocado tree healthy requires some effort and attention, but if done correctly, it can have great rewards. Understanding the causes of leaf-loss is the key to prevent it from happening. Keep in mind the factors and methods discussed in this article, and you should be able to keep your avocado tree healthy for many years to come.
