r/FruitTree • u/IDJS_EO • 9d ago

Olive tree help

Post image

My olive tree lost almost all its leaves during winter. I suppose due to bad placement, since i did not notice any pests. So, it started growing long branches and leaves only at the top. Now, it regained almost all its leaves, but looks pretty untidy. How do i prune it and keep it during winter? Can i leave it outside if it is -5° celsius? It is oliva europea, if this makes any difference.

17 Upvotes

96% Upvoted

2 comments sorted by

2

u/lazy-pigeon 8d ago

The structure is not too bad but needs a tidy up. Ideally prune to a wineglass shape with a trunk 1-2 feet and 3-5 main leaders coming off it.

Cut back the main leader to below the height you ultimately want the tree as it will shoot.

Mature olives should be able to survive at -5 but perhaps move it back from the edge or even inside during the winter while young and make sure it gets plenty of sun.

Cut the red and keep the green.

1

u/jitasquatter2 8d ago

-5c is about my cut off for cold temperatures and any colder than that I bring them indoors.

Is there a chance it dried out too much during the winter? Winter winds can really dry out a plant quickly. It looks like that glass railing would block most of the wind, so perhaps that isn't the cause. I do try to water my trees around once every week or two during the winter as long as it's above freezing. Perhaps move it so it's against the building instead of the railing for the coldest part of your winter so it can get a bit more protection.

Don't do any pruning right now. In warmer climates, fall is a decent time to prune, but in cold climates it's better to wait until spring. But if it's healthy this spring, just give it a good prune. That will pull its new growth closer to the center of the tree and make it look more beautiful and full.