Cultural Management Library
Deciding when to prune avocado trees depends on what result is desired. Pruning in spring is used to invigorate the trees and encourage new growth, while pruning in winter is used to devigorate the trees, control tree size and shape. What are the general timing principles for pruning?
Why is it important to understand the avocado tree growth cycles when pruning an avocado tree?
When pruning avocado trees, remember this: always prune with a purpose and avoid under- or over-pruning the avocado trees. Also remember that what works for one tree may not work for another tree — pruning should be done on a case-by-case basis as no two avocado trees are the same.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to pruning California avocado trees. In general, prune with a purpose and do so with a full understanding of the avocado tree growth cycle and how trees respond to branch removal.
Winter is not the quiet time for California avocado trees that we used to think it was. In fact, a great deal happens within the avocado tree over winter — avocado tree growth cycles that determine how well the trees flower and set fruit in spring. Over winter the avocado trees can develop flower buds, continue to size fruit, the fruit accumulate dry matter, roots can grow and some types of sugars can accumulate.
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Protect avocado trees from freezing temperatures. Be aware of temperatures falling below 30‐degrees Fahrenheit, regardless of weather forecasts. Rather than rely on forecasts, establish a frost‐management plan, and follow it.
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After a freeze, California avocado growers should look for the following freeze indicators; firm, brittle, curled leaves, water-soaked or discolored wood or twigs, older branches and trunks splitting and losing bark, and discolored avocados, with hues ranging from barely visible bronze to black.
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While healthy avocado trees can tolerate freezes between 30 F and 32 F, severe freezes are capable of destroying individual avocado trees — particularly freeze temperatures falling below 30 F. The colder and longer the freeze, the greater the potential for damage to your avocado grove.
After a severe wind event or chronic strong winds that lead to damaged avocado trees there are a few key steps California avocado growers can take.
Avocado trees can be damaged by sudden storms with high winds. They can also be damaged — and fruit scarred — by chronic recurring winds. To protect your avocado groves, consider the following wind protection measures.