Avocado trees will not survive extreme cold or freezing soil. If you live in any of North Carolina’s lower zones, an avocado tree is not a good idea. However, you can grow an avocado tree somewhat successfully in Zone 8, as long as you take the necessary precautions. You will have to protect your avocado tree from freezing, which means you need to plant it below the frost line and cover it during winter frosts. You still run the risk that it won’t survive, but it has a better chance in this zone than any other. You can also keep your avocado tree in a pot and bring it inside when it freezes. However, growing it in a pot will restrict its growth to about 8 feet, whereas it would be much taller if it were in the ground.