Ideally, an olive tree should be pruned in the spring before it buds. What else to look out for when pruning the Mediterranean plant is summarized in the following article.

In a nutshell

  • Main cut in spring, further individual cuts also possible all year round until autumn
  • Extent of pruning dependent on age and state of health
  • regular pruning is essential for health and aesthetic growth
  • The right tools make work easier and reduce the risk of illness
  • additional care after the cut promotes regeneration

time

The ideal time for pruning olive trees (Olea europaea) is spring. However, it is important to carry out the pruning measures before the first sprouting so that the new shoots and buds are not cut off.

In addition, selective cuts can also be made all year round until autumn. This is useful, among other things, for kinked or diseased parts of the plant, but also for unsightly grown branches.

In order to keep the stress on the plant as low as possible, the following weather conditions should be observed:

  • no frost
  • sunny to overcast weather
  • Temperature up to a maximum of 20 degrees Celsius

cutting measures

The olive tree is one of the pruning-tolerant species of the olive tree family and can therefore also tolerate radical pruning without major problems. Nevertheless, it is advisable not to cut the olive tree completely every year, but also to use the possibilities of a selective maintenance cut.

education cut maintenance cut taper cut
Goals)strengthen main branches
build a profitable crown		preserved olive treerevitalize older specimens
Prevent balding
Measures)Correct internal knots
Shorten diseased and damaged shoots
shorten corresponding branches to a maximum of half their length
each pruned branch must contain at least three buds
Reasons for the cutslow development of the branches, little leaf formation due to reduced incidence of light dead branches can encourage disease and pest infestation Tree only grows at the ends of branches
Development of a completely bare area on the branches
no formation of new shoots

Tip: Since the rejuvenation pruning is a major stressor for the plant, it is advisable to combine it with repotting. In addition to checking the root system, the tree can be supplied with new nutrient-rich substrate at the same time, which promotes the formation of new shoots and buds.

Benefits of regular pruning

The main advantages of regularly pruning an olive tree are:

  • Improving the exposure of the inner branches
  • Increasing air circulation and ventilation
  • Reduced risk of disease by removing the dead/diseased shoots
  • Stimulating the formation of new shoots

Differences in ornamental and useful plants

The main difference in the pruning of the olive tree is in the optics. While the main focus of an ornamental plant is on a shapely crown, it is necessary for the crop plant to achieve the highest possible fruit yield. For this purpose, the tree crown is thinned out much more and usually limited to five individual strong branches. In practice, this cut shape is also referred to as a plate crown.

Notice: Since the flowers and fruits only form on one-year-old branches, annual pruning is required for an even yield.

cutting tool

Depending on the age of an olive tree and the thickness of the individual branches, different cutting tools are required when cutting. This should be thoroughly cleaned or sterilized and sharpened before starting work. Cleaning prevents pathogens from entering the wound site, so that the tree can close it quickly.

Tools commonly used in practice are:

  • Secateurs: up to two centimeters in diameter
  • Pruning shears: up to four centimeters in diameter
  • Hand saw: more than four centimeters in diameter

Notice: Using a sharp tool makes it easier for the plant to close the wound, as the wound site is less frayed. The use of additional funds can then usually be dispensed with.

pruning shears

Post-cut care

Since cutting is associated with a high level of stress for the plant, it should be given special care afterwards. Corresponding measures are:

  • Apply organic fertilizers such as compost, guano, or horn shavings
  • Relocate to a shady spot for about two weeks
  • omit further pruning measures for at least two months

frequently asked Questions

What happens if the olive tree is not pruned at all?

Failure to cut back leads to bare branches over several years. This is visually reflected in the formation of a misshapen tree crown in connection with up to 50% bare main and side shoots.

When should you refrain from a radical pruning?

With a young and healthy olive tree, a radical pruning is usually not necessary. Due to the overall slow growth of the plant, gaps that arise often remain for several years. In addition, a radical pruning means great stress for the tree, so this should only be carried out with caution.

Can dead plant parts sprout again?

Plant parts that have died once cannot be revived even through targeted care measures. However, since these continue to affect the growth of the tree and also lead to reduced exposure and ventilation of the remaining branches, they should be removed quickly.

Category:

Garden plants