Olive Trees

To successfully plant an olive tree, select a sunny, well-drained location, preferably with some protection from strong winds. Prepare the soil by adding compost or grit to improve drainage, especially in heavy clay soils. Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball and gently tease out the roots before planting. Water regularly after planting, especially during the first season, and consider providing support with a stake until the tree is established.

Pruning the branches is best carried out during Spring and Early Summer. Branches will grow randomly and to maintain density in your tree branches can be cut to an outward facing bud to force the energy in our directions.

Olive trees, known for their drought tolerance, require well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. They appreciate a sunny, sheltered location, especially when grown in containers. Water regularly during the growing season, ensuring the soil doesn’t dry out completely, but be careful not to overwater, as they dislike soggy roots. Pruning is generally light, with heavier pruning in early to mid-summer. Consider adding a mulch like gravel to help with drainage and moisture retention.

Whilst an OIive tree is an evergreen it will shed leaves from time to time as new growth comes through.

It can also shed leaves if it is showing signs of distress, underwatering for example.

The most common period for shedding leaves is after or during the winter period. When the growing season starts, around the beginning of April in the UK, we recommend a good shake to remove any leaves that are about to drop and remove the leaves from the top of the soil before feeding. Then apply a Seaweed and Sequestered Iron feed to give your tree a good boost as the season starts. Give a double dosage once a week. Remember to water first to soften up the roots and then apply the feed 20 – 30 minutes later. Thereafter move on to the recommended Olive feed.

Your Olive tree is sold as an ornamental feature tree and whilst it can produce Olives, they are not edible when directly picked. A further process would be involved which you should research if you’re interested, as Claremont Garden Centre do not offer advice on this process.

This is known as Peacock Spot, it’s a common fungal disease.

It won’t kill your tree but can weaken production of flowers and fruit.

Remove all infected leaves from the tree and those that have fallen and resting on the soil surface. Use the same process recommended in ‘Why is my Olive Tree losing leaves’, using a Seaweed & Sequestered Iron Feed.