Re: Avocado as a screen?
Nan Sterman wrote:
>
> I'd like to take the screen discussion one step further. I have an
> avocado seedling in a 5 gal container and after everyone's responses
> to my request for a tall, thin screen, I am wondering if I can train
> the avocado to do the job. I know what you are thinking - these trees
> tend to be very broad in all directions. But can they be sheared on
> two sides to keep them "skinny" but wide? Do they require shade on
> their trunks or at the bases of their trunks? I know that they are not
> drought tolerant, but aside from that, can anyone give me a reason why
> this would not work???
Hi Nan
Although I knew avocados well in East Africa I have had little to do
with the trees since coming here as they are too tender in the open for
this area. However, I did once grow one in a container just for fun and
as reminder of old times and found it tended to have quite a sparse
branched form rather than producing a lot of shoots. If yours is at all
like that, it could be quite suitable to make an espalier. I think it
would certainly have the desired height in a few years without being
overwhelming. If it is a seedling anyway you don't have much to lose by
trying it out do you? (except possibly growing time).
If I were you I would be bold anyway and give it a go.
Moira
--
Tony & Moira Ryan <theryans@xtra.co.nz>
Wainuiomata, New Zealand. (on the "Ring of Fire" in the SW Pacific).
Lat. 41:16S Long. 174:58E. Climate: Mediterranean/Temperate
