Avocados-Sub-surface drain
The following thread was started by Ed on April 05, 2009 at 2:06 pm PST
A well watered and fed avocado tree will have most of its roots in the top 8 inches of the soil, they are surface feeders. One of the main reasons that keeping their leaves and adding mulch under and even beyond the trees drip line is so important.
How thick is the clay, I would punch a lot of holes through the clay with a auger drill and fill with small rock or gravel to create drainage.
David
The above followup was added by David Johnson, Waterford CA, zone 14 on April 06, 2009 at 0:07 am PST.
Ed
If it were me and I had as strong of a desire as you do then I would punch deep drainage holes into the clay as David suggested and then build up some raised beds maybe a foot or two above the soil line and backfill with good draining soil . Avocados seem to do well in a good sandy or loamy soil. Then make sure not to overwater them. You can apply water more precisely by using fanjet emitters with drip tubing. Be careful not to give too much fertilizer when they are young as they can burn easily. I like to use the lilly miller brand for my trees and it has given good results. My trees are young and I give 3 or 4 tablespoons at a time and do not scratch it into the soil before watering it in. Hope that this helps.
William Visalia Ca
The above followup was added by William on April 06, 2009 at 7:40 am PST.
my clay must be pretty thick....because I do not get drainage in my dug out holes (18"wide by 24'deep) for several days.....after filling them to the top with water. Perhaps it is a matter of time until the dreaded RR hits me with my other trees. It has been 6-8 years for the original plantings. I know spreading gypsum around has become popular to discourage the RR. I will put as much gravel in the bottom of my holes as practical.
The above followup was added by Ed on April 06, 2009 at 7:42 am PST.
I would find a say to punch down deeper, to see what it is like. You could mostly likely find some thing at a equipment rental or if you know the right friends, maybe they would have something.
David
The above followup was added by David Johnson, Waterford CA, zone 14 on April 06, 2009 at 9:09 am PST.
I like the idea of raising my plants to a level above the soil surface. Many local farmers plant on raised mounds to keep the rootball directly below the trunk....above the accumulated water.
The above followup was added by Ed on April 06, 2009 at 9:11 am PST.
Brokaw nursery (a source of commercial avocado trees) recommends raised mound for avoados:
http://www.brokawnursery.com/mound.html
The above followup was added by atc (sunnyvale) on April 06, 2009 at 11:46 am PST.
I love this board....you guys are great! I think we are onto something with raising the plant up above the soil line. I just bought some 2x12 boards that will do just this. Along with my soil amend, sand, and natural....it will be fine. I don't want my two new varieties (Jim and Reed) to get the dreaded Root Rot. You all' know by now that brokaw has RR in their orchard? They are quality folks....and will work it out. Thanks again...
The above followup was added by Ed on April 06, 2009 at 2:29 pm PST.
I've heard that for a super quick and easy mound you can use a big old car or truck tire (depending on how much mound you want).
The above followup was added by Jason (z17, Palo Alto) on April 06, 2009 at 2:49 pm PST.
A mound for a Avocado, 12 to 25 feet wide, if you would want to protect most of the roots; you have a tire that large.
You only have to haul in dirt and mound it up and with decreasing elevation down to the edge
I guess one might get by with 6 to 8 feet.
David
The above followup was added by David Johnson, Waterford CA, zone 14 on April 06, 2009 at 7:40 pm PST.
The farmers around the Somis area plow to provide raised rows to plant their avocado trees on. These rows end up being only 4-6 feet wide...and as long as they need for the row of trees. It looks like to me the critical area to avoid flooding is the area directly beneath the trunk. Do not forget the gypsum...that is in vogue to discourage RR.
The above followup was added by Ed on April 07, 2009 at 7:26 am PST.
The farmers around the Somis area plow to provide raised rows to plant their avocado trees on. These rows end up being only 4-6 feet wide...and as long as they need for the row of trees. It looks like to me the critical area to avoid flooding is the area directly beneath the trunk. Do not forget the gypsum...that is in vogue to discourage RR.
The above followup was added by Ed on April 07, 2009 at 7:27 am PST.
The farmers around the Somis area plow to provide raised rows to plant their avocado trees on. These rows end up being only 4-6 feet wide...and as long as they need for the row of trees. It looks like to me the critical area to avoid flooding is the area directly beneath the trunk. Do not forget the gypsum...that is in vogue to discourage RR.
The above followup was added by Ed on April 07, 2009 at 7:27 am PST.