Citrus & Avocado Tree Planting and Care

Written by Walter Andersen Nursery

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Citrus and Avocado trees are well adapted to most areas of San Diego County, from the coast to the inland foothills. They prefer full sun and well-drained soils so don’t plant them in poorly draining soil. For five-gallon size trees, the planting hole should be about 18”-20” wide and the same depth. Fifteen gallon sizes should be approximately 24” x 24”. If you live near the ocean, protect them from the salty winds from the west, and from frost in inland areas.

Planting Location

When choosing an area for your new tree, keep in mind the best location is full sun or at least full sun for 2/3 of the day. Be sure it has ample room to grow, as standard trees will spread 15’ to 20’ and dwarf trees 10’ to 12’ if left untrimmed. You can keep them smaller by pruning, if you desire. It is best if you do not try to grow anything under the tree such as lawns, vegetables, shrubs, etc. as they will require different watering conditions. Just leave the area bare under the canopy of the trees or mulch with bark to reduce run off.

Fertilizing

Feed the trees with citrus and avocado fertilizer every three months. Apply the fertilizer as close to the “dripline” of the tree as possible. Sometimes citrus may not be sweet enough. This is usually due to lack of “trace elements” in San Diego soils. In addition to regular feeding with citrus food, you may need to apply trace elements twice a year. These micronutrients are what your trees need to improve the fruit’s flavor.

Insects

Insects are usually not a big problem; however, there are several you should look for. Aphids, mites, whitefly and scale are the more common ones. If you see ants, it is a good indication other insects are living in the tree. Investigate and correct before it becomes too much of a problem. If you have a question about insects, bring a sample into the nursery so we can see what you are concerned about. In most cases there are ways to control them without endangering the fruit.

Walter Andersen Nursery has built its reputation on providing the highest quality plant material and the best customer service backed by a professional staff. This, along with the widest variety of plant material available anywhere in San Diego has kept generations of San Diegans coming to Walter Andersen Nursery year after year.  

 

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