This article was co-authored by Lauren Kurtz and by How.com.vn staff writer, Raven Minyard, BA. Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.
There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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Because avocado trees need lots of foliage to ensure a high amount of fruit, they don’t need a lot of pruning. However, your tree may need some minimal pruning to maintain easy tree access, balance, and enough sun exposure. If your tree needs major re-shaping, some heavy pruning may be necessary. In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about how to prune an avocado tree, when to prune it, and how to care for your tree afterwards.
Trimming an Avocado Tree
Steps
Community Q&A
- QuestionShould I paint the exposed area of the cut tree branch?Community AnswerNo. There is no real reason to do this. Most people find it helpful to cut off a dead branch and give it time to grow back.
- QuestionDo you need two avocado trees in order to get avocados? (To pollinate.)Lia 💖Community AnswerTo ensure good yields of fruit, two avocado trees are required. Both flower types produce and are receptive to pollen at different times of day, so when avocado cultivars A and B are planted together, the pollination and fruit set is optimal.
Video
Things You’ll Need
- Hand pruners
- Loppers
- Disinfectant spray
- Protective gloves
- Sun hat
- Ladder (optional)
Tips
- Expect lots of leaf growth and less avocado fruit following an extensive pruning session. Pruning will likely reduce your tree’s fruit output for the year, but increase fruit output for the next year.Thanks
- Remember that less pruning is always better for avocado trees. If you’re not sure if your tree needs any pruning, err on the side of caution and avoid pruning.Thanks
Warnings
- When pruning your trees, always wear gardening gloves or wash your hands thoroughly after pruning.Thanks
- Never over-prune your avocado trees. Over-pruning can lead to stunting, losing all of the fruit, frost injuries, or sun damage.Thanks
- If you don’t have experience pruning tall trees or working with a ladder, hire a professional to prune the top branches of your avocado tree to avoid injury.[22]Thanks
References
- ↑ https://ceventura.ucanr.edu/Gardening/Garden_Info/avocado_questions/
- ↑ http://www.treeremoval.com/trimming-and-pruning/how-to-grow-and-prune-an-avocado-tree/#.WjcxWiPMzPA
- ↑ http://www.treeremoval.com/trimming-and-pruning/how-to-grow-and-prune-an-avocado-tree/#.WjcxWiPMzPA
- ↑ https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/MG213
- ↑ http://www.avocadosource.com/CAS_Yearbooks/CAS_46_1962/CAS_1962_PG_42-43.pdf
- ↑ http://www.treeremoval.com/trimming-and-pruning/how-to-grow-and-prune-an-avocado-tree/#.WjcxWiPMzPA
- ↑ https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/MG213
- ↑ http://www.extento.hawaii.edu/kbase/crop/crops/i_avocad.htm
- ↑ https://www.californiaavocadogrowers.com/sites/default/files/Pruning-Avocado-Trees.pdf
- ↑ https://www.californiaavocadogrowers.com/sites/default/files/Pruning-Avocado-Trees.pdf
- ↑ https://www.californiaavocadogrowers.com/sites/default/files/Pruning-Avocado-Trees.pdf
- ↑ https://extension.msstate.edu/publications/repairing-storm-damaged-shade-ornamental-and-fruit-trees
- ↑ https://www.treeremoval.com/trimming-and-pruning/how-to-grow-and-prune-an-avocado-tree/#.WjcxWiPMzPA
- ↑ https://www.avocadosource.com/CAS_Yearbooks/CAS_46_1962/CAS_1962_PG_42-43.pdf
- ↑ https://www.californiaavocadogrowers.com/sites/default/files/Pruning-Avocado-Trees.pdf
- ↑ https://www.avocadosource.com/CAS_Yearbooks/CAS_46_1962/CAS_1962_PG_42-43.pdf
- ↑ https://youtu.be/4Dg07ZvMfCw?t=28
- ↑ https://www.rhs.org.uk/garden-jobs/watering
- ↑ https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/MG213
- ↑ https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/avocado/growing-guide
- ↑ https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/insects-pests-and-problems/environmental/scorch
- ↑ https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/MG213
About This Article
Fortunately, your avocado tree won’t require much maintenance, but you’ll still want to prune it during growing season to keep it in shape. Prune your tree during the spring or early summer when its branches will grow back healthy. Use pruners or loppers to cut any dead-looking branches. You should also cut a few branches from the canopy to ensure sunlight can get through to the rest of the tree. If your tree is getting too wide, trim a few branches back from the sides to keep it under control. Keep an eye on how many branches you prune from each side and try to keep it symmetrical so your tree isn’t too heavy on one side. For more tips from our Gardening co-author, including how to prune your avocado tree for rejuvenation, read on!
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