I took an old rubber tire and buried all but 1 inch in the ground and then placed my young avocado tree in the center of the tire, then I filled the tire with mulch. I had my doubt that the tree would live through the winter because here in Oklahoma winters can get very cold. 5 years later, my tree is doing well, over 15 feet tall and wide. Truly enjoy the fruit and having it grown in my backyard.