Expert: nick mccann - 8/14/2009

Question
I have grown a 4 foot avocado tree from a seed.I need to know how to prune it as right now it has only a small trunk,appro 1/2 inch.It has about 10 large leaves at the top.I have removed some as it has gotten taller....What size pot does it need also?...Thanks Betsy

Answer
Hi Betsy, let it go without any pruning until it really gets large, right now you just want to keep it healthy with proper irrigation (only when dry) and letting the roots develop for awhile in the container its in; once you see roots beginning to peek out the drainage holes then it will less stressfull for the plant to pop it out cleanly and put it in a larger container. You need to let me know the size of the container it is presently in. Nick