Avocado tree turning black

[NumeroUno]

Hi. I have a young avovado tree that was thriving but the heat burnt the leaves and turned the stem black from top down. I have since pruned it and added mulch but still turning black. Not sure if the stems below are pests either? Any recommendations for products to resolve e.g. if root rot?

  

[MitchellMc]

Hi @NumeroUno,

How long ago did you plant it there, and what type of soil is it planted in? Avocados can be quite susceptible to transplant shock, and often the top few inches of their branches and leaves will turn back. Generally, with care, they will re-bud directly below the blackened area.

Rot root can also be an issue if the trying to grow them in clay-based soil or with inadequate drainage. They need well-draining moist soil but don't appreciate wet feet. A deep watering twice per week should be adequate, and only if the top few inches of soil are dry. Unfortunately, over-watering symptoms look very similar to those seen in under-watered plants, so most people will continue to water, making the situation worse.

Let me mention the knowledgeable @Adam_W and @Noelle to see if they could share their thoughts.

Mitchell

[laidbackdood]

Agree with the above post.......this tree has had it = wet feet........they are very prone to root rot.....Creating a mound of very free draining material is ideal.....it need to dry quickly...its also important that the soil below is not clay...they have a long tap root and go searching down......if they stop at clay....you are doomed........Best way to plant an avo...is in spring......dig a hole twice the size of the rootball.......ideal soil is sand because they need great drainage.......dont add anything to the planting hole.......soak your tree and allow to drain.......remove from pot and dont disturb the roots at all.......create a raised mound or use a raised bed......place in hole at the same height as it was in the pot.....backfill with soil dug from the hole.......Do not add a ny ferts/compost/soil conditioners to the soil.....create mound ^  .......mulch with lucerne hay .....leave a 6 inch ring around tree free of anything.....water in with weak solution of seaweed to get the roots going......check water at root level with moisture meter over the next week......a week later water with seaweed again........wait until you see new growth....then feed with organic feed around the dripline......make the roots search for the food......do not feed around that 6 inch corcle near the trunk.....pull back the mulch......sprinkle food around....Katek super growth is good....sprinkle some compost on top of that and put mulch over the top of that and then water in......from now on every time you water you will feed your tree.......when it starts getting hot 28+ put shade cloth over top of tree to protect from evil sun and keep it there unless temps 25 and under.....they get burnt easily when young.....all that organic will break down and improve the sand outside the rootzone....if you put that over the rootzone ...you will probably burn the roots.....yet the tree has that free draining sand around its rootball......i have a friend who planted his like that.......looks like he planted it on the beach !........In winter time ....its the key to their survival......water logged and they die.....shade cloth in summer whilst young....take off when autumn turns up or spring growth.....the sun is evil for most young trees........water every 3 or 4 days in summer or if you see wilt ....water deep ....dont sprinkle.........trees develop black tips and shrivel up when too wet ...citrus too.......but avos are notorius for hating wet feet and dont like their roots being disturbed.........plant in the cool of the day....mid August is best time......Buy a Grafted tree too...dont waste your time with seed grown.....Good luck.