Should I Stake My Avocado Tree? [And How To]

If you are new to growing Avocado trees, there must be a lot of things you are curious about. Like, "should I stake it or not?" Good thing you came to the right place. We have all the answers to this by researching carefully, so your avocado will get the right treatment.

Yes, you should stake your avocado tree, especially if it is still small and is starting to have branches. Staking supports the plant against strong winds as well. However, pay close attention to how you do it since it can also negatively affect the tree's growth. To do this, place 1 to 2 stakes around the plant. Then, tie the tree to it firmly.

We are not done yet! We are still going to discuss more about staking your avocado tree. Another is the detailed instruction on how are you going to do it without damaging the plant. We will also talk about the other plant-care tips that you should know about. If you are interested in learning all these, then keep on reading!

Should I Stake My Avocado Tree? [And How To]

Staking An Avocado Tree

Just like how almost everything that's young needs support until they can finally stand on their own, avocados are the same. You can stake the young trunk as soon as:

  • there are branches present,
  • the soil is poor, sandy, or shallow,
  • it is planted in a high-wind area.

This will make sure that your avocado tree will not break or lie down once a really strong wind or storm comes. The trunk won't flop down if laden with heavy branches. 

Avocado tree ready for harvest

What Stake To Use

When it comes to choosing the stake or stick you will use, you can either get any of the following:

  • Metal stick, pipe, or bar
  • Wooden post (bamboo, 1x1 stick, 2x2 stick, etc.)

The advantage of using a metal stick is that they are not prone to rot when buried in the soil. However, woods such as bamboo are what you will probably see that they are using when staking. Your choice should be whichever will be strong enough to act as your avocado tree's support. 

Check out this Qj-solar's 1x1 wooden stick on Amazon.

What Tie To Use 

Choose an elastic or flexible material for tying, such as nursery tape, plastic rope, or nylon stockings. Avoid using either a wire or a nylon rope to tie the tree to your chosen stake.

The reason behind this is that if you use a very narrow tie, it may cut through the delicate trunk or damage it after some time. When it comes to the size of the nursery tape, you can use an inch wide. 

Check out this Ugold's nursery tape on Amazon.

Check out this video for a closer look at staking materials and the benefits of staking your trees:

How To Stake An Avocado Tree

We are going to discuss how to stake an avocado tree in two methods: using a single and a double stake. The material and tools that you will need are the following:

  • Tie (nursery tape, plastic rope, or nylon stocking)
  • Stake (wood or metal stick)
  • Pounding tool (like single-jack hammer or sledgehammer)

Avocados growing on a tree.

Process Of Staking An Avocado

You can add the stakes at the same time you put the tree in the planting hole. But if you already planted the Avocado in the soil, you can just punch it in using your pounding tool. Be careful in doing so and wear protective gloves to prevent injury.

Before you do that, you will have to make sure that it is in a spot next to the root ball. Do not pierce it through the root as Avocado is sensitive to damage. So make sure to be extra careful with it even when putting it in the hole.

If you are going to use a single stake (usually done when a trunk up to 3-inch diameter), put it on a side where the wind blow is stronger. And if you prefer two pieces (4-inch diameter trunk), then they will have to be aligned with each other.

It has to go 60 centimeters deep in the ground and stretch out halfway to 2/3 of the tree's height. 

Then, get your tie. To know which part you are going to do the knot, look for the portion above the spot where it starts swaying or flopping when moved back and forth. The weaker the trunk, the higher you should go. The stronger it is, the lower. 

Do not tie it extremely tight too. It should be loose enough so it won't be strangled and can still move when the wind blows. This movement or flexing will help your Avocado tree become stronger and eventually stand on its own. 

That is not where the staking ends. You will need a regular checking up if the stake is still supporting the tree. Another is for adjustments since the trunk may grow thicker so you must adjust the looseness of the tie. 

Are you also growing a citrus tree? Learn what are the best fertilizers for them here: 5 Best Fertilizers For Citrus Trees

How Long Should A Tree Be Staked?

Avocados Plantation

The length of how long your Avocado tree should be staked depends on how stable it is. You will know this if the trunk is not floppy and can withstand strong wind once you remove the tie. 

However, you may hear about the general rule among landscapers is about 6 to 12 months. But some said to remove it after a season. So for example, an installed stake during spring should be removed by fall.

In What Situation Is Staking Not Needed As Part Of Caring A Tree?

The instances where you may not be needing to stake your Avocado tree is when they are either:

  • not bending too much upon the air's force,
  • you do not live in a high-wind area,
  • your tree has a large-root system. 

If these points are not checked, then you will probably need to include staking in the things you should do to take care of your tree.

How To Make Avocado Tree Grow Faster

Avocados Plantation rows of avocado trees.

Avocado trees take 13 to 15 years to grow as fully matured trees. During that period, it is using most of its energy in growing or maturing rather than producing Avocado.

And if this sounds so long, the Avocado is one of the fastest-growing tropical fruit trees. But still, isn't it exciting to be able to harvest your fruits already? Well, there is a way to shorten the time that it will start bearing fruits. This process is grafting.

Grafting an Avocado takes only 3 to 4 years rather than the normal 7 years to be able to produce fruits. It is best done in the spring or fall season, or whenever the cold temperature's over and the warm air's approaching. This is because they prefer and is comfortable in high temperature rather than low.

Can you grow Avocado indoors? Check out this article to find out: What Fruit Can You Grow Indoors?

How Do You Thicken An Avocado Tree Trunk?

If your avocado tree's trunk is thin or leggy, then it must be lacking some vital things that it needs such as sunlight, the right temperature, enough fertilizer, and space for its roots to grow.

To make your Avocado tree's trunk thick and healthy, here are some of the things you can do:

  • Make sure that it gets direct sunlight for at least 6 hours per day to prevent being nutrient sufficient. 
  • If your tree is still young and is still potted, place it in a place where the temperature does not drop to 28 degrees or less. 
  • Do not over-provide fertilizer. Feed it thrice a year (spring, summer, and fall).
  • Transfer it to a few inches bigger and deeper container every year until you reach your desired height. 

Want to know how long a fertilizer stays in soil? Read this: How Long Does Fertilizer Last In Soil?

How Do You Strengthen An Avocado Tree?

Avocado tree with fruits

For your Avocado tree to grow and bear fruits, it has to be healthy and strong too. Below are some points which you should exercise to improve your plant's condition.

  • Spray a mixture of water and insecticide on the tree to shoo the mites and bugs which may damage it.
  • Keep on checking the tree for any dead or diseased branches. If there is one, then prune it immediately. 
  • During extreme cold, wrap a frost cloth around the trunk to decrease the temperature. 

Conclusion

Avocados Plantation - Should I Stake My Avocado Tree [And How To]

You should stake your Avocado tree if it is still young, weak, and is starting to grow branches. The stake will protect and support your plant from flopping, snapping, and breaking down once a strong wind occurred.

To stake your Avocado tree, carefully pierce a wood or metal bar next to the root ball. Then tie it loosely with an elastic or flexible rope to give the trunk the ability to still move despite the stand support. 

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