Twisted Stem Olive Tree? Best 51 Answer

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Whether you are growing an olive tree in the ground or in a pot in your garden, overwatering your olive trees can cause serious problems. Not only does overwatering drench your olive tree, but the soil around it can cause other imbalances.

Olive trees cannot tell you when they have had too much water. But if you can identify olive tree overwatering symptoms, you can correct the overwatering situation with your tree before other olive tree problems arise.

For that reason, in this article, I will address some common olive tree watering problems and help you identify the symptoms of olive tree overwatering. I’ll start with the most relevant question for olive growers.

What are symptoms of olive tree overwatering?

One of the main symptoms of overwatering is shedding of olive tree leaves or yellow leaves. When an olive tree gets too much water, the roots can no longer function properly, resulting in injury to the tree.

With that in mind, let’s examine each of the signs of overwatering the olive tree in depth.

The base of the olive tree is constantly wet

The first thing to check is the base of your olive tree. If it’s consistently wet, that’s an obvious sign that you’re overwatering your tree.

Olive tree leaves fall

When olive tree leaves become brittle, break easily, and fall off more than usual, this can be another indicator of too much water.

Olive tree leaves change color

When olive tree leaves seem to have stopped thriving, always check their color. Because olive tree leaves turn yellow or pale green, or become brittle, this can indicate that your olive tree has had too much water.

Olive leaves strange configuration

If the olive tree’s new growth and leaves wither or curl before it’s fully grown, or begin to grow into an unusual configuration, it can be a sign of overwatering. Silver-green but fragile olive leaves are another key indicator that your olive tree is becoming overwatered.

Olive tree fruits fall off

If your olive tree is already bearing olive fruit, watch olives. If it starts to fall off the tree before it is ripe, your olive tree may have been overwatered.

Important NOTE

These olive tree symptoms may resemble signs of disease in your olive tree. In fact, some of these problems can also arise underwater!

The first thing to do before watering your olive tree is to check the soil. If the soil surface is damp or wet, do not water and allow to dry

What are the harmful consequences of overwatering the olive tree?

Overwatering can cause many problems for your olive trees, such as: B. a reduction in oxygen levels, root rot, nitrogen deficiency and iron chlorosis. Therefore, I would like to explain the main problems that cause problems for your olive tree:

Reduction of the oxygen content

Overwatering olive trees is a crucial mistake as it prevents the trees from breathing and taking in enough oxygen. In fact, overwatering has an effect similar to drowning a tree. This is because if you constantly soak the soil of your olive tree, the air pockets will fill with water, which should normally allow the olive tree roots to absorb oxygen.

Therefore, your olive tree will receive less oxygen to require photosynthesis on the leaves and as a result it will have a harder time thriving.

root rot

Root rot is one of the most common consequences of overwatering. If olive tree roots don’t absorb oxygen for long enough, there is a chance that a fungal infection will set in and stimulate root rot.

As a result, your olive tree’s roots cannot absorb nutrients and water that are vital to its growth cycle. Consequently, if preventive measures are not taken, it can affect the life of the olive trees.

Watering less frequently may help if the fungal infection is mild. However, in severe cases, the olive tree must be transplanted and the soil treated before an olive tree is replanted or repotted.

nitrogen deficiency

Nitrogen is one of the most important nutrients for olive trees. And olive trees can suffer from nitrogen deficiencies caused by overwatering problems, compacted soil or root rot. When there is a nitrogen deficiency, the olive tree draws nitrogen from the old leaves to feed the new shoots. As a result, the older mature leaves turn yellow while the new growth appears healthy.

With severe nitrogen deficiency, the leaves of the olive tree turn brown and fall off the tree. You can read more about the nutrients needed for olive trees in our article here.

iron chlorosis

Overwatering can cause other nutrient deficiencies. For example, the olive tree roots cannot properly absorb iron reserves that are washed away by the water, but the tree needs it to stay healthy. This deficiency causes iron chlorosis.

The most obvious sign of iron chlorosis is when the leaves of the olive tree turn yellow or pale green, but the veins remain light green. In addition, the leaves of the olive tree can fall off and the tree looks unhealthy. This can have a negative impact on the yield.

Use a moisture meter to check if the tree is thirsty by testing the soil or touching the soil to feel if it’s dry before watering

How to save an overwatered olive tree?

After observing your olive tree and spotting the signs of overwatering described above, here are a few ways you can fix the overwatering problems:

Do not water the olive tree for a few weeks and let it air dry

Let the olive tree dry for a few weeks and air dry. Check the pot’s drainage holes and make sure they aren’t clogged. Choose the right pot and repot into a large olive tree pot if necessary

of the pot and make sure they are not blocked. Select the plant and, if necessary, transplant it into a tree. For clay soil, add some well-draining commercial mix for better air circulation. Also read our article on the best soil for olive trees

, add a well-draining commercial mix for better air circulation. Also read our article on how to use fertilizers to balance the nutrients in the soil for your olive tree roots the next time you water your plant

to restore the nutrient balance in the soil for your olive tree roots the next time you water your plant. Consult professionals if you still cannot figure out if your olive tree has been overwatered or not. You can come and assess the overall situation and needs of your olive tree to keep it healthy

How do you water olive trees correctly?

The soil around your olive tree should be moist but well-drained. If you notice water pooling on a surface, you may be watering too often. So how should you water your olive tree properly?

When watering your olive tree, use a deep watering method. At the same time, give your tree plenty of water, but let your potted olive tree drink very thoroughly.

Another important fact about watering olive trees is to let the soil dry in a pot between waterings. Then air can get into the soil and reach the olive tree roots. As a result, the roots dry and do not rot from moisture.

Check out my 5 tips on olive tree water needs and watch this video on how to water olive trees in pots.

Get a moisture meter as a watering helper

If you are a beginner in olive tree cultivation, for best watering habits, use a moisture meter to measure the moisture level of the soil between watering sessions to determine if the tree is thirsty.

You can find a moisture meter at any gardening store or online at Amazon. In fact, they are very easy to use and can tell you when it is not good to water your olive tree. It gives you an indication of the symptoms of overwatering the olive tree.

Basically, all you have to do is insert the thin stake correctly into the soil of your potted olive tree and the needle will show the moisture in the soil within a few seconds. Read more in our guidelines on how to use and read the olive tree moisture meter.

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Checking the soil for olive tree in the ground

If you are unsure about overwatering the olive tree planted in the ground, dig about 6 to 8 inches below the surface and feel the soil in your hands. The soil should be cool and moist, but not soaking wet. If the deep soil near your olive tree is noticeably damp, then you’ve probably over-watered.

Final Thoughts on Symptoms of Olive Tree Overwatering

The best advice would be to always be alert and watch your olive trees. Usually, symptoms of olive tree overwatering leave marks on olive tree leaves that you need to decipher, respond to, and end up with the healthiest olive tree in your neighborhood.

For example, when the temperature rises, you can water your olive trees more than usual. But it’s important to say that while an overwatered olive tree may have fragile leaves, those leaves still look green and healthy.

To avoid overwatering problems, observe the general health of the olive tree, look at its leaves and check the soil situation. Your olive tree will tell you what it needs most! Happy growing!

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Hello fellow gardeners! I inherited this olive tree from my grandma a few years ago and have pretty much left it to its own devices ever since. I’ve given it a bigger pot now, but I don’t know how to try to prune it. It has a very short trunk and then a mass of crooked, tangled stems. Should I stake it out to set it up?! Any hints or tips on how to care for it would be very welcome as it’s a sentimental tree and I’d be gutted if I killed it! Thanks for reading Fiona

Our range of lush evergreen olive trees have been pruned and trained to grow into beautifully designed forms – perfect for adding a Mediterranean style to your patio, porch or garden.

Maintaining this shape is easy with minimal grooming and pruning. Read the rest of our olive tree care guide and find out how to take care of an olive tree so it lasts a lifetime.

With the right love and care, olive trees are known to last for hundreds of years – and growing them in your garden can provide you with fresh olives that are ready to be cured. What more do you want?!

Have stunning olive trees delivered across the UK and Ireland with our unique tree gift service. Perfect for small gardens, busy gardeners and even for framing doors and entryways.

Quick links

Growing Olive Trees in Pots | Repot olive trees | Best location for olive trees

irrigation of olive trees | Olive Tree Feeding | olive tree pruning

Dropping Olive Tree Leaves | Olive tree does not produce fruit | harvest olives

Olive tree winter care

Fast Facts:

Variety: Olea europaea

: Olea europaea Hardiness : Hardy down to -10 degrees, frost protection required

: Hardy down to -10 degrees, frost protection required Suitable for : Planting and container cultivation outdoors

: Outdoor plant and container cultivation Height : up to 10 m

: up to 10m Flowering period : summer

: Summer Harvest : Autumn

: Autumn soil : Sandy, loamy, clayey, well-drained, neutral to acidic

: Sandy, loamy, clayey, well drained, neutral to acidic Sunlight : Partial shade, full sun

: Partial shade, full sun Difficulty: Moderate

How to take care of an olive tree

Growing olive trees in pots

The best way to grow olive trees in the UK is to keep them in pots. This means she can be placed outside in a sheltered spot with plenty of sun for most of the year and moved to a more sheltered spot in winter when temperatures start to drop below -10C.

For the first 12 months, your tree will need to be repotted into a larger container to give the roots more room to grow and to ensure the soil is not depleted of nutrients.

When choosing a pot, always try to choose a deep pot with good drainage as olives are used to a drier Mediterranean climate and do not tolerate wet feet.

Some tips for repotting:

Make sure that the soil is not wet when repotting, let it dry out a little beforehand

Loosen the soil around the edges of the pot and pull out the tree at the base of the main trunk

Add some extra soil to the bottom of the new pot before planting. We recommend John Innes No. 3 for olives with 10-20% added horticultural grit or perlite to improve drainage.

Fill in a mixture of soil, compost and grit around the plant

To allow the roots to embed themselves, keep the plant watered for several weeks.

After the initial repot, the tree should then be repotted every few years until it has reached its final height. Over time, pot grown trees deplete the nutrients in the potting soil, making it important to either repot the plant or replace up to 50% of the compost every few years.

The best time to repot or plant your olive tree is in late spring, but make sure you protect the tree from prolonged cold spells. This gives the tree enough time to establish itself in its new home for the summer and create a hardier specimen for the winter.

What is the best location for an olive tree?

Mild areas of urban gardens and sheltered areas are best for growing olive trees, however they can grow well in most areas with just a little extra protection.

Olive trees need a lot of sun to produce fruit. Place it in an area of ​​the garden that gets the most sun so the tree gets what it needs. South walls are usually a great spot in any garden.

For colder areas with less shelter, consider growing your olive tree indoors in an unheated conservatory or greenhouse where it will get enough light and protection from the elements, especially in winter.

Water your olive tree

Although olive varieties are drought tolerant and can go long periods without water, we wouldn’t recommend letting the soil get too dry. When the top inch of soil becomes dry, give the tree a nice deep watering, making sure the excess water can drain away.

If the area you live in has particularly sandy soil, you may need to water your tree more often as this type of soil is more porous and has trouble retaining moisture.

If you grow your olive tree in a container, like most other trees, it will also need more frequent watering as pot grown trees have limited access to water. Keep this in mind if it has been a particularly hot or dry season.

While the olive tree will need regular watering, remember that olives are used to Mediterranean conditions and don’t respond well to wet feet or wet soil. Make sure the pot has drainage and remember that short-term underwatering is much less damaging than overwatering.

In the winter, reduce watering, but don’t let the compost dry out completely.

Feed your olive tree

Olive trees are well adapted to poor, rocky soils, but thrive with a little extra tender, loving care. You don’t need any special olive feed, but a little balanced liquid fertilizer like phostrogen, every month will go a long way. Especially during the growing season. Use the fertilizer according to package directions.

How and when to prune an olive tree

Olive trees are a slow-growing variety and don’t require much attention when pruning. If you want to do a little maintenance we recommend pushing back some of the new growth. This will encourage the tree to send out new shoots and this in turn will create a nice bushy tree.

Olive trees are slow growers and don’t need much attention when it comes to pruning. However, pinching some of the new growth encourages the tree to send out more new shoots, which in turn creates a bushier tree.

When you decide it’s time to prune your olive tree, make sure any dead or diseased branches are removed immediately. You can also remove any crossing branches within the tree and any leading branches that make the tree look deformed.

The topiary should actually only be done when the tree is at least 2-4 years old, because the more leaves a young olive tree has, the more energy it needs to have to grow into a beautiful, healthy specimen.

Pruning your olive tree too much can result in the tree producing many water shoots that will not produce fruit or flowers.

Why is your olive tree dropping leaves?

Olive trees are evergreen. So if they start shedding their leaves, this could be your tree trying to tell you something.

The main reason your olive tree is shedding its leaves could be lack of water. Many people think that olive trees are drought plants and when watering becomes less frequent, the tree can dry out. If the tree dries out too much, the leaves may begin to fall off.

Dry soil conditions also prevent your tree from flowering. Once watering resumes, the leaves should return to normal.

Why is your olive tree not bearing fruit?

If the weather in your area is warm and mild enough, your tree should start bearing fruit around 3-5 years of age.

Olive trees should start bearing fruit when they are around 3-5 years old, but they need warm, mild weather and plenty of sun to produce a bumper crop of fruit. This is possible in the UK, but this may not be the case for most olive trees.

In order for the olive trees to bear fruit, they need a cold weather period for 2 months.

Olives are self-fertile and all plants are capable of bearing fruit as long as they experience a two-month cold spell (below 10°C). The fruit attaches to annual wood, and therefore excessive pruning will greatly reduce productivity.

Harvest your olives

If you’re lucky enough to have an olive tree that bears fruit, you can harvest the fruit while it’s still green, or you can wait for it to turn dark purple.

All green and black olives are the same, just at different stages of ripeness. Because of this, green olives tend to be much firmer as they are not as ripe as black olives.

Can I eat the olives straight from the tree?

If you’re lucky enough to get your tree to produce olives, you might be tempted to eat them straight off the branches. Straight from the tree and the fruits are very bitter. They contain a chemical known as tannins, which makes them uncomfortable to eat raw. Olives eaten straight from the tree are bitter and unpleasant as they contain tannins. In order to make the fruit edible, they need a curing process to break them down.

Winter care of olive trees

Once nighttime temperatures drop to almost 0°C, you should consider moving your olive to an unheated greenhouse or conservatory (basically a sheltered spot to protect it from the elements).

Olive trees are hardy to -10 degrees but may need overwintering protection.

Young plants and new shoots are particularly susceptible to frost damage.

If you grow your olive tree in a pot, you can move it to a more sheltered spot in the garden during the winter when it gets particularly cold.

Send an olive tree as a gift

Olive trees have been valued throughout history for their many uses and important symbolic meaning. Read more in our fact blog about olive trees. That’s why we think sending an olive tree is a beautiful and unique gift idea. Great things come in pairs, so we created our pair of olive trees gift to send to your loved ones celebrating a very special occasion.

How to prune olive trees

Olives are very slow growers and require little pruning in their first few years – in fact, leaving them alone at this stage will help produce a stronger and healthier specimen. However, once your tree is a few years old, thinning will allow more light to penetrate and produce fruit in warmer parts of the UK. Here’s how and when to prune an olive tree.

When should you prune an olive tree?

Remove unproductive branches to encourage new growth

Image: Thompson & Morgan

Always prune your olive tree in late spring or early summer. This is also the best time to thin out crowded branches and allow as much light as possible into the center of the tree. Make sure there is no danger of freezing before you begin.

Container grown olives may need another light pruning later in the summer to keep their size in check. Once they are at their optimum height, pinch off the tips to encourage branching.

How to prune your olive tree

The ideal shape for an olive tree is that of a wine glass with three to four main branches opening from the main trunk. To encourage a young tree to develop good form, wait until your olive is about 5 feet tall before selecting three or four strong, well-placed shoots to form the main framework. Knock out the others.

For more established trees, dead or damaged shoots should be removed each spring, along with any branches affecting shape. Proceed with caution – cutting too hard will create many vertical water shoots that will divert power from the main tree.

Established olive trees require very little maintenance other than light pruning to allow as much light as possible to reach the center. Pruning is necessary if you want your tree to bear fruit, but if it is not essential then you can safely leave your olive tree to its own devices for years.

For advice on pruning and planting specimen and hedge trees, take a look at our tree and hedge hub page.

Potted olive trees are a great idea to decorate a patio or balcony.

Important facts about the olive tree in a pot

Name—Olea europea

Family—Oleaceae

Type – fruit tree

Height – 3 to 10 feet (1 to 3 m)

Exposure – full sun

Soil – soil mix

Foliage – evergreen

Harvest – September to December

Tending, pruning, and watering all contribute to pot olive trees growing well and bearing olives.

Follow our tips for growing and caring for beautiful olive trees:

Repot an olive tree

Growing olive trees in pots is entirely possible as they adapt well:

Choose a pot or garden box large enough for the roots to develop freely.

Olive trees don’t necessarily require extremely large pots that would be difficult to move.

Olive trees don’t necessarily require extremely large pots that would be difficult to move. Use olive tree soil mix or potting soil mix.

. Choose a sun-kissed area that is sheltered from stronger winds.

A pot will grow up to three times wider than the pot itself.

If you want a larger tree, repot it in spring.

it spring. To replenish soil nutrients, top dress every two years. Prepare fermented fertilizer and apply it regularly, especially during the growing season.

Watering a potted olive tree

Growing plants in pots, and olive trees in particular, requires compliance with certain rules regarding watering.

The soil dries out much faster, so regular watering is necessary.

, so it is necessary . Olive trees do not like excess water, so reduced watering is the order of the day.

, so it’s just a question. Add olive tree fertilizer to the water every two weeks during the growing season.

This phase extends more or less from May to July.

Pruning and caring for a potted olive tree

Annual pruning is recommended at the end of winter or early spring.

Potted olive trees prefer a light annual pruning rather than a heavy pruning every two or three years.

Remove branches that have grown at the base of the tree or along the trunk.

. Cut branches that are pointing downwards. Only the branches growing horizontally into the sky must be preserved.

. Only the branches growing horizontally into the sky must be preserved. Free the center of the tree, trimming the branches growing inwards and keeping the large branches that form the silhouette of the tree.

Add olive tree fertilizer to get magnificent olive trees.

Canned olives in winter

They need cool winters and will usually withstand periods of frost as long as they are short and not too harsh.

If the temperature drops below -5 °C for some time, protect them with garden fleece and wrap the pots with a cover to protect the roots from the cold.

In severe frosts, it is necessary to move olive trees to a well-lit space where temperatures never drop below 0ºC.

Learn more about how olive trees cope with cold temperatures

Everything you need to know about olive trees

Olive trees are enchanting, just the mention of their name conjures up images of Provence and the Mediterranean!

This tree has a lifespan that stretches over a thousand years. It is typical of Mediterranean regions, but also occurs in more temperate climate zones such as along the Atlantic coast.

Its edible fruits are olives and are mostly seen black or shades of green.

They can be eaten raw or seasoned with garlic, basil, or a number of other spices.

They are also the source of olive oil, famous for its many health benefits!

Diseases and parasites that commonly affect olive trees

Olive Tree Live Topiary Plants

The living topiary seen here is a small olive tree with pretty grey-green leaves. It’s about 9.5 inches tall and weighs about a pound, allowing it to stand anywhere that has the right amount of light. This topiary brightens and freshens up any room in the house.

An olive topiary is quite happy indoors as it thrives well in hot, dry weather. Also native to the Mediterranean region, it likes water but not drenching. The top two inches of soil in the flower pot should be dry before watering again. Olives “dormant” in winter and generally need less water.

A fresh topiary like the olive tree needs full sun and should be rotated so each side gets equal sun. Turn it a quarter turn each week for a balanced light when checking for dryness at the same time.

This living topiary needs regular pruning to keep it small and shapely. It will get bigger if transplanted once a year into a container one size larger than the last. This is not necessary, but possible if a larger tree is desired. These olive topiaries come in either a plastic or terracotta pot, depending on the buyer’s preference.

Buyers can choose to have Mylar wrapped around the pot when ordering the plant. This often happens on festive occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, bachelorette parties, retirement parties and Christmas parties. A fresh topiary makes a thoughtful gift for someone who enjoys tending to houseplants.

Topiary pots have the advantage that they are small enough to be decorated differently as the mood takes you. Add seasonal decorations from time to time or decorate for specific celebrations. As long as the pot has good drainage, most decorations will work just fine.

As decorative items, live topiaries make beautiful natural additions to green houses or any home or office where good light is available. Plants add an organic feel to any space, soaking up the carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen in return. They are beautiful focal points for adding a sense of calm to almost any sunny space. An olive topiary can be a peaceful addition to a meditation area.

Reap the benefits of a living green tree indoors with an olive topiary. They are slow growing plants and easy to care for. These little trees have thousands of years of growing history, so it’s a bit like having a piece of the ancient past. This alone is reminiscent of a more natural existence and timeless decor. A mere glimpse of this little tree can drive the imagination across the sea.

Keep one or more olive topiaries in the home for special occasions that call for a gift. Put a nice bow on the tree or around the pot and the gift is ready to take to the party. Order soon and be prepared.

Care: Water thoroughly, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. Exposure: Bright light, full sun, reflective light. Indoor temperature: 40-80 degrees Fahrenheit Weight: 1 pound Pot size: 3 inches Weight: 1 pound Height is 9.5 inches. Comes in a plastic pot – add a terracotta pot or mylar sheet at the bottom.

Care instructions: How to take care of your olive tree

Why My Olive Tree Is Leggy (And How To Fix It?)

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If your olive tree is leggy and appears like all legs (stems and branches) are with outstretched, scrawny growth and sparse leaves, it is often a sign that your tree is not getting enough light. Most often this is the case with indoor olive trees, although outdoor olive trees can also become leggy if you don’t prune them annually.

So let’s find out why your olive tree has grown very tall but has few leaves and how to fix it.

Why is my olive tree leggy?

lack of sunlight

If an olive tree has become leggy and has really long trunks and branches with only a few leaves at the top, your tree is most likely lacking sunlight as it grows.

This weak, thin, leggy olive tree is telling you that you have placed it in a place where it cannot get enough light

Sunlight is one of the most important conditions for an olive tree to thrive. So if the tree is growing in a full sun spot, it will get all the light it needs and grow normally.

However, if an olive tree isn’t getting enough sun, it will look for more so it can gain enough energy to survive. Towards the available rays, olive branches become longer and thinner, dropping leaves that the olive cannot feed with its limited food reserves.

An olive tree expects to find more sunlight if it grows straight up, because that’s where the sun should be. As a result, the olive tree grows long trunks or branches to reach the light. So when an olive tree starts stooping, it’s probably because it’s trying to grow towards a window.

Pruning is required

Another reason olive trees become leggy is the need for pruning, particularly those olive trees that grow outdoors and require annual pruning.

Every year the olive tree begins a new growth cycle. If you don’t prune it back early in spring or after harvest (at the end of the last growing cycle), your olive tree will pick up where it left off and grow new leaves on branches that are already long.

Is Leggy Bad For My Indoor Olive Tree?

Yes. It’s a sign that your olive tree is desperate for sunlight, but sunlight is one of the most important prerequisites for successful olive growing. So if an olive stays in a place where the light is too dim, it will become weak and eventually die.

This olive tree is leggy but can easily be repaired by pruning back the branches by at least 1/3 and shaping the tree

How to fix a leggy olive tree?

Moving to the sunniest place

It’s really easy to prevent an olive tree from becoming leggy, or to help it prevent more leggy growth: First place the olive in a spot with the right amount of sun exposure.

If an olive tree is leggy, place it slightly closer to a south or south-west window with the most intense sunlight. Don’t move it directly from deep shade into full sun – this will cause a shock and the olive tree will begin to shed leaves – but move it gradually. Keep track of your olive condition over several weeks and see if it improves.

Prune your long-legged olive tree

Second, after bringing a leggy houseplant into more light, you may also want to prune leggy stems or branches to allow new olive branches to sprout and grow in to restore your tree to its former lushness.

For particularly long, lanky olive branches, snip off a third of their length and snip just above a knot (the point where leaves grow from the branch).

After pruning, water your olive tree well and add a balanced fertilizer for olives, following the directions on the packet. After four or six weeks in the new, sunnier location, your olive tree should be looking healthier and fuller.

Also read my other articles on olive tree care and maintenance: how to prune olive trees in pots, how often to water olive trees indoors and how to shape olive trees.

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Conclusion

By following my advice and placing your olive tree with the right amount of sun exposure, a leggy and sprawling olive tree can grow lush and full again.

If your home doesn’t have enough natural light for your potted olive trees, you can supplement with artificial flash, just choose LED or fluorescent lighting for the best results. Because conventional (incandescent) light bulbs do not provide all wavelengths of light that olive trees need, causing them to stretch farther to find the light.

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INDOOR OLIVE TREE CARE IN JUST 5 STEPS!

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An olive tree does best in well-drained and fertilized soil in a sunny spot. However, growing your olive tree in a suitable location does not guarantee vigorous growth and a healthy plant. And sometimes your olive tree starts to die. Even so, you can often revitalize the olive tree by changing your care routine and establishing regular maintenance (provided your tree isn’t afflicted with pests or disease).

Also, through a process of elimination, you must find out what is causing your olive tree to become inactive. That’s why I want to share a complete guide to find the right solutions on how to revive olive trees and bring them back to life.

1. First observe whether the olive tree is actually dead

Just because olive tree leaves fall off or dry up doesn’t mean your olive tree in a pot or container is beyond salvage.

First, carefully inspect the trunk and roots for signs of life and new growth. Your olive tree roots should be pliable and strong and the trunk should be greenish on the inside if you are trying and hoping to revitalize your potted olive tree.

Unfortunately, when the stem and roots are muddy and brittle, it’s too late. This means your olive tree is dead and can no longer be saved.

Unless the tree roots have lost any sign of life, the first step in reviving an olive tree is to identify and fix the problem

2. Cut back dead or diseased branches

It is important to remove dead or diseased branches or other parts of the olive tree so that the tree can use all its energy on the parts that still have life.

Start by removing dead leaves first, then prune back dead or diseased branches. One third at a time until you see green signs – signs of life. New branches can grow from the cut branches.

Tools for trimming and reviving olive trees

To trim successfully, use sanitized bypass shears for small branches, pruners for branches up to 2.5 cm (1 1/2 inches) in diameter, and a fine-toothed handsaw for larger branches.

It is important to sanitize your pruning shears by soaking them in a mixture of 1 part bleach and 9 parts water. Leave them in the mixture for 5 minutes. After that, once the scissors have been rinsed, they are ready for use.

Watch our video on how to prune olive trees in pots:

Pruning olive trees in pots – 5 principles… Please enable JavaScript Pruning olive trees in pots – 5 principles

Prune diseased branches, water sprouts, and suckers annually

Ideally, you should prune the olive tree annually in early spring to remove diseased branches, water sprouts, suckers, and criss-crossing branches.

To detail the pruning process, I have compiled 7-step guidelines for pruning potted olive trees to improve tree growth and increase olive fruit yield.

Pruning water shoots and suckers helps core branches of olive trees grow thicker and stronger

3. Leave the chunk of trunk intact

While pruning dead or diseased branches and parts of your olive tree, you have noticed that its trunk is completely dead but the roots are still alive. Do not prune the dead stem to the roots. Leave about 5 cm of the trunk intact above the ground.

If you manage to revive your olive tree, new growth will sprout from the trunk. Just be patient, if you prune the tree in the summer, the new shoots may not come back until next spring.

4. Diagnose the problem killing your olive tree

Your olive tree can suffer for several reasons leading to its death. So your biggest task is to find out what the problems with potted olive trees are.

Always consider all the possibilities: the frequency and amount of watering, plant fertilizers, pests and diseases, whether the olive tree has received enough sunlight or perhaps it has been affected by the first winter frost.

So, let’s continue going through the most common olive tree revitalization and revitalization reasons and solutions!

These are the most common problems with potted olive trees related to watering, feeding, pests and growing conditions

5. Check soil moisture before watering

If you notice changes in the leaves of the olive tree and signs of tree neglect, first try to develop a regular watering schedule. And check the soil moisture before watering your olive tree with your fingers or a moisture meter. The most important thing is to keep the soil moist but not saturated.

For example, moisture retention varies with soil type. When considering soil requirements, the most important parameter is that olive trees can usually grow in a variety of soil types, but cannot tolerate saturated soils. Olive trees love well-drained soil, so learn more about what is the best soil for potted olive trees.

For a more scientific approach, check the soil daily with a moisture meter to determine how often the olive tree needs watering (otherwise, use your fingers). Then, after repeated checking, establish a decent watering schedule. Find out more in our complete guide to using and reading an olive tree moisture meter.

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6. Do not overwater or underwater the olive tree

Olive tree irrigation should be infrequent but deep. However, dry weather may require more frequent watering if you have placed an olive tree indoors in the hottest and driest room of your home. Allow your tree to dry out between waterings until you have established a watering routine for your olive tree.

So how can you check the need for water if you don’t have a moisture meter with you? The easiest way is to stick your fingers into the soil and check if it has completely dried out. Of course, you don’t get root-level measurements, but still, it’s a great way to do the initial verification.

Touch the soil with your fingers to see if it’s moist—if not, use a moisture meter, which more accurately measures moisture at the root level

If you are growing your olive tree in the ground, use a small shovel to dig around the trunk of your olive tree to determine if the tree is getting adequate water. When the soil is 15 cm dry, the tree needs water.

Also, the water needs of your olive tree will vary depending on the size of its canopy and the weather. For example, a tree with a 1.2 m (= 4 feet) high crown needs 15 liters (= 4 gallons) of water per day for most of the year. But that amount doubles and then almost triples when the summer heat hits.

underwater sign

Generally speaking, when the olive tree lacks water, the leaves turn brown, dry at the edges, and curl. The soil around the roots would also be completely dry.

So if your olive tree is dying because it is thirsty, the solution is clear: water it!

overwatering sings

On the other hand, if your tree becomes overwatered, the leaves may yellow or dry out and fall off. For more on overwatering signs and how to protect your tree from too much water, read our article here.

If you have a potted olive tree and are unsure how to water it, please watch our video on deep watering techniques and check out 5 tips on watering requirements for potted olive trees.

Watch our video how to water olive trees in pots using the deep irrigation method (see attachment):

Please enable JavaScript Pot Olive Tree Deep Watering Method

7. Change the soil to well-draining

If your olive tree is not doing well, here is another mandatory tree revitalization test related to soil drainage.

First, pour 20 liters of water over the root area of ​​your olive tree. Then watch how quickly the water drains into the ground. If the soil is still soggy or muddy 25 minutes after watering, you have clay or heavy loam, which olive trees don’t like.

Therefore, amend the soil around the olive tree by incorporating a 12.5 – 15 cm (i.e. 5 to 6 inches) thick layer of organic material. Alternatively, you can transplant the olive tree to a spot with well-drained soil. It should be noted that olive trees do not thrive in heavy, wet soil.

If your olive oil dies due to an overwatering problem, replant it to turn the soil into dried soil and help the tree revive faster. Check out how to choose the best soil for olive trees that is well drained and fresh.

Find out 20 facts about how to grow olive trees indoors

8. Test soil nutrition before fertilizing

Another recommendation for reviving your olive tree relates to soil fertilization. To understand what nutrients the soil is missing, you should test your soil before fertilizing, especially if it’s not spring (otherwise it’s just a guess as to what nutrients or minerals your olive tree is missing and needed for the best growing results). .

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Of course, it can be tempting to give your dying olive tree a nutrient boost with any fertilizer you like, but it’s better to choose the fast-acting, best olive tree fertilizer. Undoubtedly, when the tree is struggling, any random fertilizer can irreparably damage those delicate roots.

Otherwise, fertilize an olive tree starting in early spring when new growth sprout. You can order olive tree fertilizer online or find it at local nurseries or garden centers. Always read the directions before applying fertilizer to your tree. In any case, it will vary, and the amount of fertilizer applied will depend on the concentration of the ingredients and the age of your tree.

For the long-lasting effect on the soil and the olive tree itself, we recommend the regular use of organic fertilizers for olive trees – they have a slow release effect, but are very beneficial for the overall soil texture and have a long-term positive effect on olive trees and other plants.

Another good tip to save your olive tree is to stop fertilizing in late fall to prevent tender new growth damaged by the winter cold.

9. Move the olive tree to the sunniest spot

Olive trees demand a lot of sunlight! They can suck up sunlight for 8 – 12 hours a day to thrive and produce lots of olive fruit.

In contrast, olive trees that have not received enough light have pale leaves, small fruits and weak trunks. Your growth will be restricted. In this case, the simplest solution is to place your olive tree in the sunniest spot in your home and let the sunlight sink into it.

10. Pest Control

Have you noticed spotted leaves or cotton-like weaves on your olive tree’s leaves? Have you even discovered dead spots on the leaves or discolored fruit on your beautiful tree? If so, then you are most likely witnessing an infestation of pests on your olive tree such as spider mites, scale insects, aphids, etc.

This is a scale insect – the most common pest on olive trees. Don’t worry, they are not harmful as long as you use the treatment

Examine your olive tree carefully and note anything unusual you spot. Check the olive leaves to see if they are yellow and if so, if any part of them remains green.

Look for signs of pests such as spider mites and treat your tree with insecticides or neem oil as needed to revitalize the olive tree. Just follow the instructions on the insecticide you have and after a few treatments your olive tree will be back to its full life cycle.

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If it doesn’t help, your tree is most likely suffering from the symptoms of the disease. Then collect samples and assess the problem by looking at olive tree problem diagnosis websites or by asking for help at the gardening store or a local arborist. Always treat your plants appropriately.

11. Treat olive tree diseases immediately

Sometimes even very well cared for olive trees are susceptible to a range of diseases, each with their own causes, symptoms and treatments.

If you have reviewed all of the above steps and still suspect your olive tree has fallen victim to a disease such as powdery mildew, root rot, or others, ask a local gardening professional to help you identify and treat it.

For example, some serious diseases or fungal infections are difficult to detect without proper knowledge or testing, so it is recommended to consult a local arborist – a specialist who is very knowledgeable about the local soil structure and the most common diseases in your area. has the necessary know-how and applies a special treatment that is required for your tree.

Another important thing to keep in mind, you should isolate the infected olive tree from your other plants to avoid spreading the disease.

If the situation with your olive tree is uncontrollable and you have checked all the above steps, it is highly recommended that you find a local expert or arborist – they will apply appropriate treatment!

12. Clear the olive tree area from weeds

Young olive trees are very sensitive to weeds. Therefore, tear down weeds that are growing near your young olive tree. And continue to keep the area under the tree canopy weed-free (radius 30 to 60 cm – 1 to 2 feet – around the trunk cleared).

So check regularly for weeds. This way you leave a small ring of uncovered area around the base of the trunk, which is important to avoid problems like crown rot. This will make your olive tree grow healthier.

If you are growing companion plants with established roots alongside your olive tree, you should monitor all plants and remove any weeds to prevent water and minerals from being drawn from the soil.

13. Protect olive tree from cold and frost

In general, unless you live in a Mediterranean climate, you should protect your olive tree from frost damage on cold nights or put it indoors for the winter. Especially young or dwarf olive trees!

If it’s cold or frosty, try to water the olive tree well and cover it with a blanket (and decorate it nicely with Christmas lights 😉 ). In fact, you should never prune frost-damaged areas until the following spring. It damages the tree more like open wounds.

Items you may need to revive the olive tree

You definitely don’t need fancy gardening tools to take care of your olive tree all year round. However, by having the following customer-rated tools available on Amazon, you can rest assured that your olive tree will receive all the care it needs in terms of watering, soil, and pruning.

Last update on 07/18/2022 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 07/18/2022 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Why do olive tree leaves change color and fall off?

I get questions about olive tree leaf problems quite often. There is no strict answer as there can be multiple reasons for this and in order to proceed with effective treatment or prevention you should first identify the cause.

For example, if the leaves on your olive tree are turning brown and falling off the branches, your tree is most likely suffering from overwatering or poor drainage. Accordingly, do not water the olive tree and let it dry. Check regularly with the moisture meter to avoid low-oxygen roots.

If your olive tree’s leaves are yellowing and falling off, they may be lacking in nitrogen or sunlight.

For more problematic olive tree analysis, I have specific articles that can help you find the reason and treatment:

Olive leaf dropping is the most common problem when bringing the tree indoors for the winter – it’s caused by the stress of the transition and the reduction in light

How do I bring dead olive tree back to life in a pot?

Can you bring a dying olive tree back to life? Of course you can!

First, carefully observe the tree and make sure there are no insects or diseases that may have infected your tree. For example, if an olive tree has lost or is losing its leaves due to beetles or fungi, it is best to treat your tree with an insecticide if necessary.

Also, please follow all the steps outlined above (check soil nutrients, moisture levels, watering issues, etc.). If all else fails, prune the olive tree back to the first leaves.

Then repot the olive tree. Using a new pot for the potted trees is unnecessary, but it is important to pull the tree up and check the root system. Therefore, cut off any old, dried or rotten roots.

Then repot with fresh potting soil and water well. Stay in a fairly shady spot until you see new growth. Do not fertilize it during this period, because transplanting is already hard on the olive tree. But keep it moist and not wet.

If nothing helps, you should cut the tree back almost to a stump. Because there can only be one solution to keep the tree alive and bring it back to life. As long as sap is circulating (i.e. tree sap), your olive tree is alive and not dead. Also, good to know, the olive tree will grow back in no time!

Read more about why olive trees don’t grow or produce leaves

Final thoughts on the revival of the olive tree

In summary, if you take care of your olive tree regularly and perform routine maintenance, such a tree will nourish healthy olive fruit and bring you healthy fruit every year.

However, if it happens that your olive tree starts to die, try to follow all the olive tree revitalization steps above. First check the soil, moisture, nutrients, prune and so on. If all else fails, cut the tree back to a stump. And you will be surprised, the olive tree will come back to decorate the home environment!

FINAL EFFECT

Olive trees are hardy trees and very hardy. Most of the problems affecting these trees are not life threatening, and there is nothing you can do about those that are. Give your olive tree the best care and follow excellent tree care practices to give it the best chance at a productive life.

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PROBLEMS WITH POTTED OLIVE TREES & SOLUTIONS

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How often should I water my olive tree?

Olive trees are surprisingly hardy and tolerate extreme temperatures quite well. However, it is possible to over- or under-water an olive tree if you are not careful. It also depends on whether your tree will be planted in the ground or in a pot. Here we look at questions about olive trees, always based on watering to keep your tree thriving all year round.

The olive tree is not a desert plant, so it needs regular watering to survive.

A common misconception is that because an olive tree is weatherproof, it doesn’t need to be watered often. That is not true! The olive tree is not a desert plant, so it needs regular watering to survive. And if the tree goes too long without water, you may find that no fruit appears. This happens when the tree is stressed and needs liquid (much like humans!). It’s worth noting that a young tree is generally more susceptible to dehydration than more established trees. We recommend watering newly planted olive trees every third day for the first two weeks. Then, after the first two weeks, reduce watering to once a week. If you have a mature olive tree, it will need watering every 3-5 days during the summer if kept in a pot.

Why are the leaves on my olive tree falling off?

Both overwatering and underwatering can cause an olive tree’s leaves to fall off. And if the leaves start to dry, discolour, and turn brown or yellow, it could be a sign of underwatering. Most trees and plants can only survive so long a lack of water before showing signs of failure.

How do I know if my olive tree is dead?

If there is no new growth at the top, scrape back a little of the bark on various branches. If they’re wet and green inside, that’s a sign they’re still alive. But if they are dry and brownish then the tree is probably dead. If this is the case, remove the tops and part of the trunk to new growth. After that, you’ll have an olive bush rather than a tree for a while. However, over time it will be possible to grow it back as a tree provided it is properly watered.

Take a look at our handpicked range of olive trees.

This post may contain affiliate links to help readers find relevant products. We receive commissions for purchases made through links.

Olive trees can be grown in many different styles and forms. They can be kept small, making them ideal candidates for bonsai olive trees. Or they can grow bushy and wide, filling the whole corner of your living room.

Shaping olive trees to make them bushier, wider, fuller or even taller requires a formative pruning. Formative pruning involves strategically pruning back the young olive tree trunks, branches and leaves to encourage growth or prevent growth, depending on what the long-term goal is.

First observe your young olive tree and carry out a formative cut if desired. Read on to learn 2 different pruning techniques and how to incorporate them into your olive tree care based on your goals.

2 techniques for shaping olive trees: Formative pruning

If you’ve just got your olive tree and it’s looking scrawny, but you want a full, bushier tree, you’ll need to do some strategic pruning to encourage growth. This is pretty much the only way to get a fuller looking olive tree.

I will explain 2 different techniques suitable for young olive trees, ideally from a year, until their formative pruning is completed at around 4 to 5 years.

*Most olive trees sold in garden centers are already at least partially pruned and trained so you can skip the first year steps that are not relevant in your case.

1. Design of a standard olive tree with a central leader

If you want to make your olive tree with a clear central main branch that grows up ahead of the other branches and gets taller, bushier and wider, this technique is for you. This technique is perfect if you want your olive tree to look natural and wild to match your backyard setup, plus you don’t care too much about commercial cultivation.

The most important thing is not to cut this central main branch as this could affect the desired shape of your olive tree.

Technique 1. The standard central leader olive tree shape will make your olive tree look taller and bushier

First year

Divide the main trunk of your olive tree into 3 parts. Cut side branches and leaves from the lowest part of your olive tree. Keep the main trunk clean and free. Halve all of the side shoots on the middle part of the main trunk of your olive tree. Leave the side shoots on the upper part of the olive tree untouched. Simply remove any dead, diseased or damaged branches and leaves. Remove any inward-facing buds to prevent growth toward the center of the olive tree. Try to keep only outer buds.

second year

Completely cut off the side shoots that were cut in half in the first year (which should now be in the lowest part of the olive tree). Cut the side shoots in the middle part of the olive tree around the top part of the olive tree

Third year

Follow the same steps as for the second year.

Fourth and fifth year

Remove side shoots and branches from the olive trunk to the desired height. Continue removing crossing, misplaced, dead or diseased or misplaced branches to form the desired shape

This potted olive tree has a main trunk (middle head) and branches centered around the ideal shape to form a landscape

2. Shape an olive tree with an open center (vase shape).

This technique is suitable for your olive tree if you want to control its size, make it bushier and wider, and increase olive fruit production. This formative pruning method is perfect for commercial olive tree growers to maximize yield.

You can reduce the final height of your olive tree that would otherwise grow as a central main branch (see 1 technique) by removing the main branch and forming an open center olive tree (vase shape).

Technique 2. Shaping the olive tree with an open center (vase shape) is great for controlling tree size and maximizing olive fruit yield

First to third year

Follow the above steps as for a standard olive tree with a central leader (see 1 technique).

fourth year

Cut back the leading olive branch and prune down to a top strong side shoot. Leave 2 or 4 side shoots untouched in the upper part of the olive tree to form the branches (and form the open center or branched head canopy). Only remove poorly placed branches or those that are crossing or rubbing. Cut the side shoots in the middle part of the olive tree by two-thirds to leave stubs that can replace branches if needed. Remove all side shoots from the lower part of the olive tree and keep the main trunk clean and free

fifth year

Remove any strong upward (vertical) branches that threaten to dominate the canopy and interfere with the desired shape. Eliminate crossing or rubbing branches. Cut back the branches and side shoots of the canopy a bit to balance the shape of your olive tree. Prune to an outward bud to encourage open growth of your olive tree. If you see that this pruning encourages new growth from the olive stem, remove the shoots as soon as they emerge

This is a great example of an old olive tree with an open center for commercial use (Kalamata, Greece)

Problems shaping olive trees

Where upright shoots threaten to compete with your olive tree’s main branch, a single main shoot must be selected and the others removed. Choose one that stands upright and is consistent with the rest of the olive tree.

If the main branch of your olive tree is damaged by wind, snow, or accident, prune it back to a strong side shoot that grows fairly upright. Attach a bamboo stick to this side shoot and tie the shoot into the bamboo stick as it expands and raise it upward as the new leader of your olive tree.

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General FAQs

When is the best time to shape olive trees? Olive tree shaping is often done at the end of winter or early spring before new growth and after the threat of frost has passed. However, random light trimming can be done at any time of the year. How do I make my olive tree trunk thicker? If your olive tree is growing indoors, try bringing it outside during the spring and summer and exposing it to air movement. Because of the air movement, the olive tree trains and develops a much thicker, more resilient trunk. That’s why trees aren’t tied tightly from top to bottom to a rigid stake when planted to allow some movement. How to stimulate olive tree growth? For the first year, fertilize the olive tree every month from spring through summer with a fertilizer containing slow-release nitrogen. Fertilize every four to six weeks in subsequent years. Do not fertilize in winter.

Check out fertilizer for olive trees in pots

Final Thoughts

Shaping olive tree pruning and shaping is an unfamiliar matter to novice olive growers, but it is a necessary part of tree care and maintenance. All you really need to successfully shape your olive tree is a good understanding of your ultimate goal, how to shape your tree, what to prune and when.

If you want to grow your olive tree as wild and natural as it is, choose 1 technique and form a center main standard olive tree. To make your olive tree bushier, wider and fuller, choose 2 techniques and shape your olive tree with an open center. By doing this, you not only shape olive trees in a commercial manner, you increase olive fruit production each year.

Remember that the structural or formative cut should be done as early as possible. Because the older the tree is, the more difficult it is to bring it into the desired shape.

If you would like more information on pruning olive trees in pots and tools to use, feel free to check out my last post:

Learn how to prune olive trees in pots

Related topics

This article was co-authored by Lauren Kurtz. Lauren Kurtz is a naturalist and horticultural specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado directing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014. This article has been viewed 148,084 times.

Article overview

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The easiest way to straighten a small tree is to support it with a stake. First drive your stake into the ground at an angle so that it is pointing in the opposite direction to the crooked tree. Then run a ratchet strap through a piece of rubber tubing, which you can find at a hardware store. Once your ratchet strap is in place, wrap the hose around the tree and pull the strap around the peg. Next, tie the ribbon around the stake and tighten until the tree is straight. After a week or two, start gradually loosening the strap to see if the tree can stand up straight on its own. You can completely remove the tape after 1 growing season. If your crooked tree is larger, you’ll need to dig a trench around it and then get lots of helpers to straighten it up by pulling a rope tied around it. Read on for tips on towing a larger tree with a truck!

Remove the bamboo stake within a year, making sure the ties have not girded the trunk. If necessary, loosen the tree ties to allow the tree to sway in the wind and avoid girding the trunk.

Tip

Prune the surrounding trees and vegetation so that the straightened tree is not overcrowded and receives adequate sunlight according to its needs. An undergrowth tree may need partial shade, while fruit trees need at least six hours of full sun daily.

Remove the stakes and tree ties in two to three years when the tree is straight and stable.

If the tree trunk is more than 2 1/2 inches in diameter and is severely curved, consider pruning the tree to remove the curved trunk and train a new, straight trunk in its place.

Drive the stakes into the ground Use a wooden mallet or sledgehammer to drive two or three wooden or metal stakes around the perimeter of the tree outside of the root ball area. If your planting site is exposed to winds that blow predominantly from one direction, it is best to position the stakes on the upwind side of the tree, where the stakes will anchor the tree against the force of the winds. Drive the stakes into the ground at a 45 degree angle to the tree trunk. Longer and deeper pegs provide better reinforcement. But remember, you’ll need to remove these stakes after the tree roots are established, so don’t drive them unnecessarily deep. Drive the stakes to a depth of at least 18 inches if possible, and deeper if the soil structure is loose and sandy.

Pushing the tree upright It’s easier to push the tree straight when the surrounding soil is moist and pliable, so consider wetting the area with a garden hose. Then manually push the tree straight and upright, applying even pressure along the trunk. It’s a good idea to hire a helper. If the root ball has shifted significantly, a hand winch attached to the tree and a stable anchor point may be required to bring the tree back to an upright position. Use slow, even pressure so you don’t damage the stem. After the tree is upright, firmly pack the soil around the base to pack the root ball in place.

Secure the tree to the stakes Special tree staking straps are available at hardware stores. Support wires are passed through holes in these straps, and only the straps themselves make contact with the log. Linen hammock straps are also an option. Never allow bare wire, cable or rope to come in direct contact with a tree trunk as this can damage the bark and introduce disease and pests. Use ropes or cables passed through a flexible sleeve to attach the tree to the stakes. For very small seedlings, short lengths of nylon stocking tied around the trunk can be attached to ropes or cables attached to the stakes. Strips of canvas or burlap can also work. Some people run the ropes or cords through rubber garden hoses wrapped around the trunk to prevent the rope or cords from rubbing against the bark. Finding the right position for the ropes along the trunk can be difficult. They must be low enough to allow the treetop to sway, but high enough to allow the trunk to sway slightly. The best position is often near the first side branches protruding from the trunk. The ropes should also have some slack to allow the trunk some movement.

The most commonly used tools for pruning olive trees are pruning shears and secateurs. While pole shears can also be used for cutting and head thinning, they require a skilled hand and knowledge of safety protocols to ensure other branches are not damaged when cuts are made and bystanders are not injured by falling branches!

We recommend that you keep your cutting tools in good condition, oiling and cleaning them as needed. In the event of illness, ensure your tools are sterilized between uses to prevent the spread of disease.

On rare occasions, you can use a chainsaw to cut a branch. This tool should only be used by an experienced doctor who follows all necessary safety protocols, including the use of safety glasses.

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How do I make my olive tree trunk thicker?

How do I make my olive tree trunk thicker? If your olive tree grows indoors, try to move it outside in spring-summer seasons and expose it to air movements. Because the movement of air means the olive tree trains and develops a much thicker, more resilient trunk.

Twisted Stem Olive Tree

What is the lifespan of an olive tree?

Humans have grown olive trees for thousands of years. The oldest known olive tree is 1500 years old, but the average life span is 500 years. Olive trees are loved for their fruits, eaten fresh or brined and pressed into oil. But not all olive trees bear olives.

Twisted Stem Olive Tree

Ancient Olive trees for sale in Spain

Ancient Olive trees for sale in Spain

Ancient Olive trees for sale in Spain

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Twisted Stem Olive Tree – Pinterest

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The Twisted Olive Tree Gift

Olea europaea

£50.00

This The Twisted Olive Tree gift comes with a 6 month guarantee to ensure your recipient is completely happy.

Our Twisted Olive Tree Gift is an ancient Greek symbol of peace and friendship. Its twisted trunk and neat foliage are decorative features that are entirely Mediterranean, bringing style and calm to any garden, patio or driveway. Our olive trees make outstanding gifts for housewarming, birthdays and celebrations.

Silver-green, evergreen leaves stand neatly on a twisted stem, making for a stunning display year-round. Fragrant, white flowers appear in spring, attracting butterflies, birds and bees to the garden. In autumn, the olives turn from green to purple, showing they are ripe and ready to be picked and dried. This gift will bring joy to friends and family who love Mediterranean cuisine.

Our olive trees are the Olea europaea variety which is hardy in the UK climate and easy to care for. When you order one of our Twisted Olive Trees, one will be carefully picked and beautifully gift wrapped for speedy delivery.

Olive Twisted Stem Tree

Please note that when ordering multiple items, not all can be delivered at the same time.

Orders are sent promptly by post or parcel service. Seasonal items such as plants are sent separately with the estimated delivery times indicated for each variety both in our catalog and on our website.

delivery fee

standard fee

A transport fee of £2.99 applies to seed packets only.

A flat rate shipping charge of £6.99 applies to all other products.

If your order includes a combination of shipping costs, a combined shipping charge of £7.99 will apply.

Living plants

Suttons wants to ensure that all of our plants are delivered to you in the best planting condition. Unfortunately there are some postcodes that take longer to deliver and as such we cannot guarantee this, so we regret to inform you that we do not ship live plants to the following areas; HS, IV41-IV56, KW15-KW17, PA34, PA41-48, PA60-PA78, PA80, PH40-PH44, TR21-TR25, ZE1-ZE3.

Non-standard deliveries

Unfortunately, like many companies in our industry, we are currently only able to deliver orders to UK customers, with the exception of customers in Northern Ireland. We are committed to finding a way to get back or resume normal services as soon as possible. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience.

Very large items

A surcharge will apply when ordering large items marked with a surcharge of £5 per item. These items are also not available for areas and zip codes listed under Non-Standard Shipping. We may need to contact you regarding delivery. Therefore, please include a contact number with all orders.

Where applicable, the prices include the statutory value-added tax.

We reserve the right to contact you and may charge a surcharge, and we are happy to quote you for transporting certain products to more remote areas. Some items may not be available in all regions.

We reserve the right to change carriage charges in the event of a price increase by the carrier or other unforeseen circumstances. We will always advise the shipping cost before payment.

Twisted Stem Olive Tree

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