# Can These TWO Things SAVE My Avocado Tree? Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBPiXhn2XZo Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/QBPiXhn2XZo Generated: 2026-02-24T05:35:19.446+00:00 --- ## Quick Overview The two things the gardener uses to save his struggling avocado tree from root rot disease are Mycorrhizal Fungi (MycoGold) applied to the soil and a wool mulch mat laid around the base of the tree to maintain aeration and suppress weeds, which he believes provides a better chance of survival for the tree than previous methods he tried. **Key Points:** - The gardener applies Mycorrhizal Fungi (MycoGold) powder around the base of the avocado tree, hoping it establishes a symbiotic relationship to help the tree absorb nutrients and overcome root rot. - He applies a thick layer of wool mulch matting around the tree base, specifically chosen because it is organic and breaks down slowly, unlike plastic weed mats. - The gardener notes that his previous avocado tree on clay soil died because the roots rotted after hitting the clay, a problem he hopes to prevent with this new approach. - He explicitly states that the soil pathogen attacking avocados is *Phytophthora*, which is technically a water mold, not a true fungus. - The wool mulch is intended to keep the soil aerated and suppress weeds, giving the tree's roots a better chance to thrive and potentially produce fruit within 4-5 years. - The gardener admits he previously tried many things to save his avocados, including using chemical disinfectants like Desogerm SP Veg, but those methods failed for the avocado trees. - The video concludes with the gardener watering in the mycorrhizal fungi and laying the wool mulch mat, expressing hope that this combination will be successful where other methods failed. ![Screenshot at 00:14: The gardener shows a large pile of harvested pumpkins, illustrating his general success in growing food over the past 20 years, setting the stage for his current struggle with the avocado tree.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/QBPiXhn2XZo/00-00-14.jpg) **Context:** The video documents the gardener's attempt to save a struggling avocado tree, which he suspects is suffering from *Phytophthora* root rot, a common issue for avocados planted in poorly draining, heavy clay soil. Having failed with previous methods, including using chemical treatments, the gardener introduces two specific organic products: Mycorrhizal Fungi (MycoGold) to inoculate the soil and a roll of Australian wool mulch matting to cover the root zone, aiming to improve soil health and aeration. ## Detailed Analysis The gardener begins by recounting his 20 years of success growing various fruits and vegetables, contrasting this with his recurring failure to grow avocado trees on his property due to root rot. He shows previous bumper harvests of pumpkins, beets, and tomatoes to establish his credibility. He then explains that the primary threat to his avocado trees is the soil-borne pathogen *Phytophthora*, which he clarifies is a water mold that causes root rot, preventing nutrient absorption. He contrasts this with citrus trees, which he notes are more root rot resistant. The gardener details the two primary interventions he is now attempting: first, applying Mycorrhizal Fungi (MycoGold, shown as a light ash-like powder) around the base of the sick tree to encourage a beneficial symbiotic relationship that helps the roots absorb nutrients and potentially outcompete the pathogen. Second, he unrolls a large piece of Australian wool mulch matting (sourced from a company called Woolgrow Australia) to cover the soil around the tree. He prefers this organic wool mulch over plastic weed mats because it breaks down slowly, adding value to the soil while suppressing weeds and maintaining better aeration around the trunk, which is crucial since anaerobic conditions favor *Phytophthora*. He demonstrates applying the fungi powder around the base of the avocado tree, watering it in, and then laying the wool matting, hoping these combined organic methods will allow the tree to survive the winter and potentially produce fruit within 4-5 years. ### Avocado Root Rot Problem - The gardener has lost multiple avocado trees over 20 years due to *Phytophthora* root rot, which thrives in his poorly draining clay soil and kills the roots by causing anaerobic conditions. ### Product Introduction - Mycorrhizal Fungi - He introduces MycoGold Mycorrhizal Fungi (a light ash-like powder) intended to inoculate the soil, helping the roots absorb nutrients and outcompete the pathogen. ### Product Introduction - Wool Mulch Mat - He unrolls a large roll of wool mulch matting from Woolgrow Australia, explaining it is superior to plastic mats because it is organic and decomposes slowly, improving soil structure. ### Application Process - Fungi - The gardener applies the MycoGold powder liberally around the base of the struggling avocado tree and waters it in, ensuring the beneficial fungi are activated in the soil. ### Application Process - Mulch Mat - He carefully lays the wool matting down the length of the planting bed, cutting it around the base of the tree trunk and using bricks to hold it in place, intending to suppress weeds and maintain aeration. ### Expectations and Goals - The gardener hopes that by creating an environment with better oxygen levels in the soil using the wool mulch, the avocado roots will be able to survive the pathogen attack and potentially bear fruit within 4-5 years. ![Screenshot at 00:08: The gardener presents a bag of Mycorrhizal Fungi \(MycoGold\) and a large roll of wool mulch matting, the two primary products he will use to treat the ailing avocado tree.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/QBPiXhn2XZo/00-00-08.jpg) ![Screenshot at 00:11: A diagram illustrates the threat of \*Phytophthora\* infection, showing how the pathogen causes healthy avocado roots to rot and die, preventing water and nutrient absorption.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/QBPiXhn2XZo/00-00-11.jpg) ![Screenshot at 01:14: The gardener pours the white, ash-like Mycorrhizal Fungi powder around the base of the avocado tree planted in the raised bed.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/QBPiXhn2XZo/00-01-14.jpg) ![Screenshot at 02:30: The newly prepared planting mound shows several avocado saplings planted in dark, amended soil, ready for mulching.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/QBPiXhn2XZo/00-02-30.jpg) ![Screenshot at 07:39: The gardener holds up the bag of MycoGold, describing it as a powder resembling lime or ash, and begins to apply it around the base of the avocado tree.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/QBPiXhn2XZo/00-07-39.jpg)