Avocado trees are a popular choice for gardeners and commercial growers alike since the trees ‘bear fruit’ in just three to four years from planting and yield up to 500 lbs of avocados per tree annually. But an avocado tree can sometimes turn brown and when this happens, it’s important to take corrective measures to prevent further damage and to restore life to the tree. Unfortunately, there isn’t always a single answer on why this happens.
The most common reason for an avocado tree turning brown is a lack of water. The avocado tree needs a steady supply of moisture during the growing season, so if it isn’t getting enough water it can start to go dormant and its leaves will start to turn brown. This can be caused by a lack of rain or a low water pressure in the soil. Conversely, too much water can be bad too, as it can lead to root rot and a shortage of oxygen, which can also cause the leaves of the tree to turn brown.
With regard to proper fertilization, some avocado trees possibly may benefit from an application of a balanced fertilizer that is approximately 8-3-9 or similar via late winter or early spring. On the other hand, too much fertilizer can burn the tree and lead to the foliage turning brown. Other environmental conditions can cause an avocado tree to turn brown. For example, if the tree is in too much shade or if there is direct sunlight beating down on the leaves, this can cause damage, as can extreme wind or temperatures.
In some cases, the tree may be affected by a pest infestation or a disease. Diseases, such as leaf spot and root rot, can cause an avocado tree to start showing signs of distress, like its leaves turning brown. Similarly, a pest infestation can cause damage to the tree, but the specific type of pest will depend on the location and the tree species. If you can identify the pest, you can then treat the tree accordingly.
The best way to prevent an avocado tree from turning brown is to ensure it gets enough water and sunlight, while also avoiding over-fertilizing and taking care to pick up any fallen leaves that may harbor pests and diseases. A regular inspection of the tree is also important, and if you notice any problems, you should take the necessary steps to treat and correct them.
Proper Care of the Tree
Regular proper care is essential for healthy avocado tree growth. For watering, the general recommendation is to provide about an inch of water for every inch of tree trunk diameter, about every 5 or 7 days depending on the location and weather. This may vary since avocado trees seem to need more frequent watering in periods of high heat and dry weather. Additionally, mulching around the tree may help retain moisture and reduce weed pressure, which is beneficial in helping the tree to retain moisture.
Speaking of weeds, they should be pulled manually or the the tree can be treated with herbicides to keep weeds under control. An effective weed management program is important because weeds can take away the tree’s nutrients, water and sunlight, leading to its leaves turning brown.
The most common pest that affects avocado trees is the citrus flat mite, which feeds on the leaves and can cause the foliage to turn brown. It’s important to monitor the tree for signs of infestation and to treat the tree accordingly if it’s found. Be sure to always follow the instructions on the product label.
Using Compost Tea
When it comes to fertilizer, you may want to try an organic approach, such as making your own compost tea. Compost tea is made by mixing compost and water in a 5-gallon bucket, allowing it to steep for a few days, and then straining the mixture and using the liquid to water the tree. Compost tea can provide the tree with important nutrients and can help restore balance to the soil.
It’s also important to prune the tree on occasion. The goal of pruning is to create an open tree canopy that allows enough light to penetrate for proper photosynthesis, but not too much light that can cause sunburn. Also, pruning can help reduce pest and disease pressure since it eliminates the hiding places for pests and diseases, leaving them exposed and vulnerable to treatment.
Lastly, avocado trees benefit from occasional trimming to keep it from becoming overgrown and to help promote the growth of healthy leaves and fruit.
Application of Microbes
Finally, if you’re having problems with an avocado tree turning brown, you may want to consider using a microbial inoculant to help restore balance to the soil. A microbial inoculant is a product that is applied to soil and it contains beneficial microbes that can help to increase fertility and improve plant health. The microbes in the inoculant are beneficial to the tree and can help to restore a healthy balance to the soil, which can help to bring the tree back to life.
The use of a microbial inoculant is an effective way to help restore life to an avocado tree that is turning brown. Just be sure to use a product designed for use on avocados, as there are products specifically designed for fruit trees that work better than general-purpose products.
Monitoring Light Sources
Light sources should be monitored as well in order to ensure that the tree is receiving adequate sunlight. Too much sunlight can cause damage to the leaves, but so can too little sunlight. The amount of sunlight the tree needs will depend on the variety of avocado and the location, so it’s important to research the specific tree you have and strive to give it the right amount of light.
In some cases, you may need to provide additional shade, such as using a shade cloth, in order to prevent the tree from taking too much sunlight, though you should also watch out for not enough sunlight as well. It’s a tricky balance, and you may need to experiment with the light sources until you find the right balance.
Finally, it’s also important to monitor the humidity levels around the tree, as consistently high humidity can predispose the tree to diseases, such as root rot, which can also cause its leaves to turn brown.
Mitigating Temperature Conditions
Tying into the previous point, you’ll want to monitor the temperature around your avocado tree. Temperatures that are too high or too low can both cause problems for the tree and result in its leaves turning brown. It’s important to keep an eye on the temperature, so you can take corrective action when necessary. This may include providing shade in periods of extreme heat or possibly even providing supplemental heat during colder days.
You should also check to see how exposed the tree is to the elements. Does it have a wind break? Does it have a shelter? These are important factors to consider when taking care of an avocado tree.
Using Relevant Fertilizers
Finally, it’s important to use the right type of fertilizer on your avocado tree. Many people simply use general-purpose fertilizer, but this may not provide the tree with the specific nutrients it needs. Instead, you may want to use a fertilizer specifically designed for avocado trees. These fertilizers are formulated to provide the tree with the right combination of nutrients, so that it can get the nourishment it needs for optimal health.
You should also be mindful of not over-fertilizing the tree, as this can cause more harm than good. Generally speaking, avocado trees do not require frequent feedings and over-fertilizing can cause the leaves to scorch and turn brown. Too much fertilizer can also upset the soil, leading to acidic soil or even nutrient burn.
Providing Nutritional Supplements
In some cases, you may want to provide nutritional supplements to your avocado tree, especially if it is showing signs of distress. There are a range of nutritional supplements available, including supplements specifically designed for avocado trees. These supplements can provide the tree with the essential micronutrients, such as magnesium, iron, and zinc, which can help keep the tree healthy and can help to improve its growth.
Overall, it’s important to understand why your avocado tree is turning brown in order to take the correct steps to correct the problem. Generally speaking, a lack of water, too much or too little fertilizer, and environmental conditions such as too much or too little sunlight can all cause an avocado tree to start turning brown. Proper care, proper fertilization, and the use of nutritional supplements can all help to keep the tree healthy and prevent it from turning brown.
