Have an avocado tree that has been in ground for 2 years, it is about 1.5 meters tall. I need to move it further away from house. When best time to do it - in Auckland.

Hi Ann, the best time to move plants is in winter, early spring. The tree is flowering now so if you can leave the tree to set fruit, move it once the fruit has matured and is a pickable size. Avocado trees have a long tap root, so try and dig as deeply as you can and get as much of the root as possible. Avocados are prone to toppling over when they mature so need a good root system to carry the weight of the fruit and withstand wind. Before removing the tree start applying Tui Organic Seaweed Plant Tonic  at least 8 weeks before moving to help reduce transplant shock and stimulate root growth. About 4 weeks before moving dig around the drip line of the tree to a spade depth,  this also helps stimulate new root growth. Make sure the area the tree is moved to is free draining, they don't like wet feet so good drainage is important as they are susceptible to root rot disorders. Before replanting dig in generous amounts of compost to the new planting hole and consistently water throughout the summer months. Lianne