How to Look After an Olive Tree Plant

Olive trees are not only trendy ornamental plants, but they also come with a range of health benefits. For example, olive oil has been known for its medicinal and culinary advantages for many centuries. Olive trees can grow up to 20 feet tall and thrive in dry climates. If you have a green thumb and want to add an olive tree to your indoor or outdoor garden, you need to know how to look after it properly. Here are some tips:

Positioning

The position of your olive tree plant is critical to its health. Olive trees require full sun exposure to thrive, so ensure that the tree is placed in a spot that gets at least six hours of sunlight per day. If you keep your olive tree indoor, place it near a south-facing window that gets plenty of light. However, do not place the tree near a radiator, as it could receive too much heat and dry out.

Watering

Watering an olive tree is easy, but there are some general rules to follow. Olive trees like to be kept dry rather than too damp, so do not over-water them. Water the tree thoroughly once a week, ensuring that you do not allow standing water or the soil to become waterlogged. The best thing to do is to wait for the top layer of the soil to dry out before watering again, but do not let the soil dry out completely as it can cause the leaves to wilt and drop off.

Soil

The soil is a crucial element to an olive tree’s success. Olive trees prefer well-draining soil that is slightly alkaline. They do not like compacted or clay-like soil as it can retain too much water, leading to root rot. A good tip is to mix some sand with the soil to improve drainage. If you buy an olive tree, it will usually come potted, and you should transplant it to a larger container or the ground right away.

Fertilizer

Olive trees require nutrients to grow and produce fruit, but too much fertilizer can cause more harm than good. Fertilize the tree once a year in spring with a slow-release fertilizer or compost. Olive trees do not require a lot of fertilizer, so do not overdo it.

Pruning

Regular pruning is essential to maintain the health and vigor of an olive tree. Prune the tree after harvesting or in late winter or early spring. Removing the dead, weakened or diseased branches will help to promote healthy growth and the development of new branches. Pruning should also aim to improve the tree’s shape and structure.

Pests

Olive trees are highly resistant to pests and diseases, but they can still fall prey to certain insects like olive fruit fly or scale insects that produce honeydew. You can use an insecticidal soap spray to keep the pests under control, but you need to be careful not to use any harsh chemicals that could damage the tree. Alternatively, you can use natural methods such as introducing beneficial insects or planting herbs like lavender or rosemary nearby, which can help repel some pests.

In conclusion, an olive tree is a beautiful addition to any garden, but it requires a little bit of care and attention. Ensure that it has the right location, soil, and adequate water and nutrients to grow and thrive. With the correct maintenance and care, your olive tree will reward you with not only an ornamental option in your garden but also the delicious taste and healthy benefits of its fruits.