Thanks Tim. There is a little new growth from the top here and there but they keep falling off.

Is the tree dying or is this OK to happen to the tree?

I read in a couple of places it may be the pH of the soil. Is that true? How can I check/fix that?

There ph test kits available at the home center.

make sure it has good drainage and don't overwater. Soak, let it dry out.

Let the soil become dry before give other waters....Avocados grown in pot are sensitive to roots overwatering

If you fertilized using that Fantastik Heavy Duty well that could be a problem! :-P

It might be too early to fertilize anyway, a young avocado still gets its nutrients from the pit while it's attached.

I don't have much experience with grow lights, so I can't say if the avo is getting enough proper lighting... so the yellowing on the leaves would point towards a watering problem.

The soil is not the best (esp for drying quick enough--which is essential for preventing root rot), but you might work with it by careful watering. Simply, I'd mix in more perlite. Also, I do not see a tray for that pot, or the size of the holes (if any) and I'd be worried about not having enough drainage, but hard to tell from just photo.

As a guideline, water when the leaves start to droop noticeably, and only then use like two shotglasses of water to that soil you're currently using.

Also, to me the plant looks like it's planted shallow, I cannot imagine there is enough room for roots to develop and that could be stunting its growth. If you're going to raise it up to repot then that would be a good time to mix some better soil, perhaps sift out some of the black powdery stuff.

But maybe hold off on anything drastic since you just repotted it. In the meantime find out more about good soil, and start looking to acquire the neccessary ingredients without spending too much cash. DIY avocados shouldn't really cost anything otherwise it defeats the whole purpose!

...your plant will live regardless, but you want it to also thrive!

Thanks so much everybody!

So a few weeks later take a look at the plant. Growing lots of new leaves. Some of the larger leaves are still slowly browning but I am assuming it is OK considering all the new leaves that are growing.

So here is my current question:

It is getting nice out in New York. Lows are still close to 35 degrees. In a couple weeks when the sun is beaming around 60 and the low is closer to 45 degrees is it a good idea for me to bring the plant outside?

I would say that if it is in a south-facing window, then leave it be. Otherwise, you can take it outside (as long as you're sure it won't freeze) but be aware that too much movement could cause all the leaves to fall off again. The root system is extremely sensitive.

Escondido ca. Is a Mecca for avos. Research their climate and decide.