Avocado tree branches and stems turning black - Solution

Roots of avocadoes are very delicate. If you keep them water logged, they will rot. Clay type soil is not well drained. So it may cause root rot quickly. To make your soil well drained, you can take below steps.

• Add Organic Matter/gypsum: Incorporate organic matter like compost, well-rotted manure, or leaf mold into the soil. Organic matter improves soil structure, allowing for better drainage by creating pore spaces for water to move through.

• Raised Beds: If your soil is heavy and poorly drained, consider creating raised beds. Raised beds elevate the planting area, improving drainage and preventing waterlogging.

• Amend Soil Texture: In clayey soils, add sand to improve drainage. The sand particles create larger pore spaces, allowing water to pass through more freely.

• Slope the Soil: If possible, slope the planting area slightly to allow water to run off instead of pooling in one location.

• Use Gravel or Rocks: Adding gravel or small rocks to the bottom of planting holes or containers can help improve drainage.

• Create Mulch Beds: Mulching the soil surface helps regulate soil moisture by reducing evaporation and preventing water from running off too quickly.

You can also use anti rot fungicide and spray it on the foliage. e.g. In Australia, we have Yates 500ml anti Rot Fungicide available at bunnings.

Root rot occurs mainly in winter. Avocadoes do not like winter conditions. So you may want to cover the trees so that they will be protected from chilly weather.