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| My young Holiday Avocado suffered freeze damage last winter and I had to basically prune the top half of the tree off....branches and the main stem. During the spring, there was no growth from the main stem, but branches did grow out. One branch in particular has grown really well and I'm wondering if it's possible to bend the branch up to act as a main stem? No sprouts or growth came out of the main stem. I know it sounds odd. Rather than starting over, I'd like to see what may be possible. Thoughts? |
Follow-Up Postings:
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- Posted by hoosierquilt z10a/23 Vista Calif (My Page) on Thu, Nov 21, 13 at 19:41
| Yes, in fact, I would recommend that. Topping a tree is fine as long as you prune right above a lateral branch. That lateral branch then should become the apical tip. Holiday has a tendency to want to sprawl along the ground anyway, so stake and pull up that apical branch so you have your tree heading upwards, again. Patty S. |
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| Thanks Patty. The branch comes out horizontally and takes a 3-4 inch turn to go straight up. Will this need to be held like this forever, or will the branch stiffen up in the orientation over time? |
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| Here's a picture of what i'm talking about. My thumb is situated where the main stem has ceased and my pointer shows the horizontal branch in question that has been curved up. What I don't understand is how this would work out in the long term. Thoughts? |
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| You will be fine. Prune just above the branch you hope to be the central leader. Straighten and support (with grafting tape to a bamboo or other stake) the branch as much as possible without breaking it. It will be fine. These "Holidays" are not aggressive growers....but the fruit is delicious! |
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| Thanks for the note. The branch is pretty heft as is, and is bent to the point where I think anymore would snap it. For the sake of long term growth, I'm contemplating just lobbing off that branch completely and trimming the main stem up to that same node and training new growth vertically. It would be a shame, because that current branch is pretty well developed, but I can't envision it living life with a bend like that. |
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