Mature avocado trees often reach significant heights, making harvesting the mature fruit a challenge. The fruit on the highest branches is frequently the best quality, but accessing it safely requires specialized equipment and techniques. Successfully harvesting from these established trees demands an approach that ensures both the picker’s safety and the quality of the delicate fruit.
Identifying the Right Time to Harvest
Avocados are unique because they do not ripen while still attached to the tree; they only reach physiological maturity, which signals they are ready to be picked. Harvesting too early results in fruit that shrivels and never softens properly, while leaving them on the tree for too long can lead to rancidity and premature drop. The fruit must accumulate a minimum oil content, which varies by variety and climate, before it can be successfully ripened off the branch.
Visual indicators help determine when the fruit is mature enough to be harvested from the tall canopy. Growers often look for a slight dulling of the skin and a subtle change in the fruit’s color, which may become darker or slightly yellowed depending on the specific cultivar. A reliable method involves performing a test pick, where a few fruits are harvested, allowed to ripen indoors for a week, and then checked for proper texture and flavor.
Specialized Tools for Reaching High Branches
Accessing fruit on the upper canopy safely and efficiently requires specialized gear designed for orchard work at height. The most common tool is the pole fruit picker, which consists of a long, telescopic pole typically made of lightweight aluminum or fiberglass. Attached to the end is a small basket or wire claw mechanism with a sharp blade or cutting edge.
These poles can often extend to lengths of 12 to 20 feet, allowing the picker to reach fruit far above standing height. The basket cradles the fruit, while the integrated cutting mechanism allows the picker to snip the stem cleanly without damaging the avocado. Choosing a lightweight but rigid pole is important for maintaining control and precision when maneuvering the head of the tool through dense foliage.
When the fruit is too high, a stable platform becomes necessary for safe access. Standard household ladders are unsuitable for harvesting due to their narrow base and instability on uneven ground. Orchard-specific or tripod ladders, which feature a wider base and a single rear leg, offer greater stability and are designed for leaning into the tree’s structure without tipping.
For situations requiring only a slight extension, some pickers improvise by attaching a small, curved hook to a long pole. This allows them to gently tug the branch closer to the ground or to knock the fruit free, though this method carries a higher risk of bruising the avocado upon impact. Regardless of the tool chosen, the focus must remain on reaching the fruit without compromising the picker’s balance or stability.
Safe Techniques for Tall Tree Harvesting
The method used to detach the avocado from the branch directly affects its post-harvest quality and ability to store properly. The fruit should be clipped or cut, leaving a small piece of the stem, known as the button, attached to the fruit’s apex. This short, protective stem stub prevents pathogens from entering the fruit at the point of detachment, which is a common cause of stem-end rot during the ripening process.
Pulling the avocado directly from the branch is discouraged because it often tears the button away, leaving an open wound that invites infection. When using the pole picker, the objective is to gently position the cutting mechanism to snip the stem about a quarter-inch above the fruit. Once the stem is severed, the picker must carefully lower the pole, allowing the avocado to rest securely in the cushioned basket to prevent it from dropping and bruising.
Working at elevated heights demands strict adherence to safety protocols. If using a ladder, ensure it is placed on level, stable ground and never lean it against a weak branch. Maintain three points of contact with the ladder and avoid overreaching, which increases the risk of a fall.
When using a long pole picker, be aware of overhead power lines, as aluminum and fiberglass poles conduct electricity. A spotter on the ground is prudent to secure the base and alert the picker to hazards. Finally, place the detached fruit gently into a padded container rather than dropping or tossing it, which minimizes physical damage.