Weeding Instructions:

  1. Olive trees should be weed free at least 3 ft out from the trunk.
  2. Weeds will compete for the soils nutrients and water.
  3. Also, high weeds could provide cover for animals who may gnaw on the tree bark causing girdling of the tree.

Tree Care

Watering Instructions:

  1. Thoroughly water the tree after planting and mulch. Mulching will help conserve water.
  2. Carefully monitor the ground to see how wet the soil is staying. This will vary depending upon the type of soil you have.
  3. If you plant during the fall or winter and the trees receive consistent rain through the spring you probably won't have to water too much.
  4. If you plant during the warm months start by giving small trees (1ft to 3ft in height) about 2 to 4 gallons per week. Larger trees (3ft to 6ft in height) will require about 4 to 6 gallons per week.

note: For consistent growth olive trees will require adequate water when they are young. They are drought tolerant but only once established.

Pruning Instructions:

  1. Olive trees should be allowed to put on as much wild growth as possible in their first five years.
  2. You may then train them as a single trunk or top and train the leaders into a multiple trunk.
  3. Olive trees will naturally develop a multiple branching habit so all that is required is to open up the canopy every few years to allow for sunlight and airflow.
  4. Olive trees bear fruit primarily on the growth from the previous year. When pruning it is important to recognize this if you want fruit. Do not make tip back or make end cuts to your branches.
  5. When cutting larger limbs always make flat cuts just outside the collar.
  6. Pruning should be performed from late winter to early spring.
  7. Prune when you have a window of clear weather.

Planting Instructions:

  1. Dig a hole roughly twice the width of the container and 1½ times the depth.
  2. Amend the soil with a little compost (3 parts native dirt to 1 part compost).
  3. Backfill the hole a little so when you put the tree in the hole the tree sits a little above (1 inch) ground level on a slight mound. The tree will settle naturally. There is no need to mound trees planted on a slope.
  4. Stake if necessary with a pole on either side of the tree driven down on the outside of the root ball.

note: Amending the bottom of the planting hole with a mycorrhizal fungi or a 7-5-7 organic fertilizer mix is also recommended.