Choosing a Location for Avocado Trees

Cross Pollination

Avocado trees are self-pollinating, meaning they don’t require another variety in order to produce fruit. However, having a Type A and Type B avocado tree more than doubles the chance of successful pollination and fruit set.

Avocado trees flower in a manner known as synchronous dichogamy, meaning bloom time for male and female flowers is distinct. Type A avocado female flower parts open at the same time as Type B male flower parts, and vice versa.

If avocado trees that are grown in containers bloom while inside, be sure to hand pollinate for greatest success.

Sun and Good Soil

Your tree would love a sunny place with well-drained, fertile soil. But it will be quite satisfied with six to eight hours of sunlight. Good drainage is required to keep your trees “happy.” If your soil has high clay content, use our Coco-Fiber Potting Medium or add one-third peat to the soil at planting time. We do not recommend planting fruit trees in heavy, pure clay soils.

Even if your yard isn’t the most ideal location, take heart. Fruit trees are very adaptable and respond well to fertilizers, so they can get along well even where the soil is nutritionally poor. Just steer clear of sites with extremely heavy soils or very poor drainage.

If planting in containers, quality soil with good drainage is a must. Be sure to choose a container that is twice as big as its original container to give it room to grow.

Surroundings

If you’d like your tree to become a landscaping asset, choose the planting place with this in mind. Imagine it as a full-grown tree and check everything out: Wires overhead? Sidewalk underneath? Does it obstruct something you want to see? Can you keep an eye on it from the house? Will other trees be in the way, allowing for their additional growth in the meantime?

Even a year or two after planting, your tree will be very difficult to transplant. So, take the time to plant it in just the right place.

Space Wisely

It’s important to consider areas like patios, sewer lines, and water pipes when choosing your location. Ordinarily, patios will not be a problem because the soil beneath them will be dry and compacted. Therefore, the roots will not grow into this area as much. It’s still recommended, however, that you plant at least 8-10’ away from patios, water pipes and sewer pipes. You might not expect sewer and water lines to be affected since they are buried so deeply. But, since sewer and water lines tend to be wet, roots will grow to them and around them if the tree is planted too close. By planting your trees far enough away from these items, you can avoid this problem.

Spacing Between Trees

To easily calculate how far apart you should plant your trees, look for your variety’s mature height. For example, if a Super Hass’ mature height can reach up to 25’ tall, it is recommended to plant other trees 25’ away.