Olive Tree Care

Native to the coastal areas of the eastern Mediterranean Basin, the Olive is a species in the Oleaceae family. The fruit is known as olive and is as important along with the oil extracted from it in most Mediterranean diet. This tree grows only in agreeable climate; long, hot growing season, which is a major consideration while planting olive trees.

The olive tree is an evergreen tree that does not grow more than 50 in height and 30 feet in spread. The foliage is feather shaped, arranged oppositely to one another, with a gray-green appearance because of tannin presence. The tree does not shed leaves every year, with new growth occurring simultaneously in the spring every couple of years. The olive flowers are cream-colored and mostly wind-pollinated. The olive fruit is a green drupe, and upon maturity can turn blackish-purple or brown-purple depending upon the variety.

Caring for Olive Trees

For an olive tree to grow and fruit, it needs long, hot growing season, else the fruit won't ripen. No late spring frosts or extreme winter chills. This is the reason most olive cultivation and production in America is concentrated in the warmer coastal valleys of California.

This tree also comes in non-fruiting varieties specifically meant for landscaping uses. The tree has an attractive gnarled branching patterns, that gives it an unusual appearance. Olive trees need well draining soils with a pH of 8.5, and a sunny spot. Avoid planting them in wind path.

Transplanting needs to be done carefully, the olive tree should be planted together with the root ball, taking care to ensure no damage to its roots, especially when pressing down to firm the plant. Experts recommend that after planting, the surrounding soil should be covered with straw to minimize water loss from the soil. Young trees are more prone to dying out because of improper irrigation, hence water regularly during the first 2-3 years. For more trees, a drip irrigation system is recommended. Olive trees should be fed with nitrogen rich fertilizer annually, well ahead of the flowering development time. Organic compost is equally beneficial.

Pruning is essential to control plant growth and shape, increase yield. Most tree heights can be controlled at 20-25 feet, for easier access to yield. Pruning is done to develop the tree along a central leader style and develop a strong structure. Old branches are cleared before the setting of flowers and fruit to increase yield, and the last prune is done after fruiting to get rid old weak, diseased branches.

The main pest problem suffered by olive trees involves the olive fruit fly and medfly. Olive knot is another problem which can be controlled with pruning. Fungal disease verticillium is another problem with olive tree, and the only cure is to get rid of the infested branches. As olive is eaten with the skin intact and used in oil extraction, too many pesticides are to be avoided. Indoor care of olive trees involves exposing them to well-lit ares, fertilization and a good measure of irrigation.

With adequate olive tree care the olives will grow nice and healthy. Pick your olives, green, but only after they have reached full size. And enjoy your harvest year after year, and generation after generation, too, as an olive tree is long-lived.