How to Replant Avocado

Select a new location in the landscape where the tree will be protected from winter frosts. Texas A&M University Extension suggests the south or southeast side of your home is ideal. The soil should be well-drained, as avocado trees have shallow roots and can’t tolerate wet soils.

Conduct a soil analysis to verify that the soil pH is between 6.0 to 6.5. Amend the soil according to the results of the analysis. A soil analysis kit can be obtained at your local county extension. You can also take a soil sample to the extension office and someone there can do the analysis for you.

Dig a trench around the avocado tree 12 inches deep and wide per 1 inch of the trunk’s diameter. For example, if the diameter is 2 inches, dig a trench 24 inches deep and wide to ensure that a majority of the root ball remains intact as you dig up the tree.

Dig a hole in the new location twice as wide as the root ball and as deep as the root ball. Place the tree into the hole carefully, and back fill with the removed soil.

Water the tree slowly and deeply, suggests Texas A&M University Extension, to soak the root system thoroughly. Let the soil dry out before the next watering.

Apply a 3- to 4-inch layer of a coarse organic mulch, such as redwood bark, around the avocado tree, starting 6 to 8 inches away from the trunk and extending out 2 inches in diameter around the tree.