Given the average yield of the experiment of 16,220 lbs. per acre (average of 4 years from 2014 to -2017) and an average price of $ 1.32 per lb., returns to management is estimated at $6,260 per acre.

Using the high-density method, growers plant up to 400 avocado trees per acre on 10-foot by 10-foot blocks per tree - about four times the usual 110 trees per acre they plant on 20-foot by 20-foot blocks. Growers cap the height of the tree at about 8 feet. Most avocado trees are about 35 feet tall.

Traditional plantings of avocados are spaced 20'x15' or 145 trees per acre (Photo by Ben Faber).

The average (unbiased) yield in California avocado orchards included in this research was at a production level acceptable to the industry, 95 lb/tree (10,450 lb/acre), with 73 percent of the yield CVL fruit (packing carton sizes 60+48+40).