Olive Tree Pruning and Olive Tree Care

Some information on how to #prune your #olive plants.
Also, some additional general information on the #care and maintenance of the olive plant.
Likes well drained soil. Add grit and crocks the the compost to assist with drainage. Doesn't like soggy roots.
Allow to almost dry out between watering in the growing season.
Reduce watering and feeding to zero during the winter.
Can survive outdoors all year but in the event of a very severe frost wrap the plant in horticultural fleece.
Feed and top dress regularly during the growing season. A top dress mulch will help keep the pot moist, supress weeds and enrich the soil.
Needs to go through a cold spell in order to fruit.
Fruits on 1 year old growth.
Pollinated by wind.
Prune freely, it is quite tolerant to pruning but be aware that pruning may prevent flowering this year.
Needs good light to flower. Consider pruning into an open bowl shape to allow light in to the centre.
#gardens #gardening #marksgardenuk #gardendesign
Please also visit my website: www.marksgardenUK.com
email: [e-mail]

[@TheChillmar]

I love the way you present your plant wisdom. Thank you, I now found the courage to start pruning my olive tree.

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Hi hilmar. Thank you so much for this comment. I really appreciate it. Mark

[@user-wq5lc7fc1t]

Thank you, I'm really enjoying your channel! I live on the north-east coast of England and am striving to keep my four potted olive trees alive on a walled garden terrace (this sounds much grander than it actually is!). Thus far they have survived, though have suffered much from recent extraordinary extremes of weather, notably drenching rain storms. I'm grateful to you for your knowledgeable advice re drainage, etc. Also your examples of intrepid pruning, as I've been extremely reluctant to inhibit their growth in any way! Thank you again for your gardening wisdom, Kaye

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Hi kaye. Thank you so much for this comment. Your garden sounds lovely too. Mark

[@mattavalon]

Great video. Thanks for making it!!

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Thanks Matt. Just if you're interested you can see the progress these made in my later videos. They grew back really strong. Have a look at the winter care olive video you'll see the results. Mark

[@jessicafallon3643]

Thanks a lot for your videos on olive trees! I watched them all as I was researching how to save my little olive tree (I'm in Northern Germany). It sits on my balcony and has really suffered the last few years. I've repotted it in pumice and given a major prune this March...fingers crossed I can save it!

[@asianangie7209]

They look amazing!

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Thanks Angie, I'll hoping in a few months I'll have 4 very compact little ball shapes 😊

[@dulcieogilvie5786]

Interesting. Thank you

[@weromontiel]

Thank you so much for this video! greeting from Mexico!

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Hello Mexico!!! Best wishes from UK😊

[@Bishopton]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Thank YOU. Nice to hear from you again 🙂

[@swiggiesukeurope]

Brilliant thank you

[@JuniperLynn789]

I just inherited a 6 foot olive tree that has lost almost all of its leaves, it just has about 20 left. So I’m watching all your olive tree videos to see how I can bring it back to health 😊

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Ok. Sounds like a nice specimen, what is your plan? Mark

[@requisitemaxim]

waiting for your updates - cheers

[@reflct]

Thanks Mark, Great video. I am just about to embark on getting my clients Olive trees into shape, and this has really helped me understand the process. Top man.

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Ah thank you so much and I hope it goes well. Best wishes. Mark

[@mariaespinoza363]

Thank you, my two olive trees are through the cold season here in Florida and they look great growing, in West Coast Central Florida, USA!

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Fantastic! It's great to hear from you in florida! I think you have warmer summers than us which should be excellent for your olives 😊

[@flipmcdonought5835]

Thank you.

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Well thank you for watching 😊

[@nr1w0r1d]

great information, great voice. thanks for the video

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Thanks James. Very much appreciated. Mark

[@alexandraabraham6698]

August 2022: I "Rescued" a very small olive tree from my mum (who's Italian!) and it's in a very sorry state; I think it has about 15 leaves in all, and is just two widely-spaced branches, about 8" apart. It's probably a foot high. So, it's 'Y' shaped, with a couple of bare side twigs.... today I lightly scraped the bark on the bare twigs, and it's green underneath, so I live in hope. My mum told me in passing that it had been a bonsai, which explained the somewhat curled root system. It was badly over-run with campanula seedlings which as you know, spread like billy-ho by runners. By the time I had managed to remove all the seedlings and runners, the root ball was much reduced. I scraped all the invasive roots away, then covered the remaining root ball with mycorrhizal fungal powder. I also sprinkled some in the compost... Planted in all-purpose compost GENEROUSLY cut through with a good portion of grit. I also added some granules of slow-release fertiliser. Now? I wait.

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

It really does sound like you are doing all of exactly the right things. Is the sojl well drained. You know, if you wanted to be really brave, if you cut back one of those branches in the 'Y' i suspect it would shoot out. I did this with mine and every branch i took back grew afresh. Mark

[@alexandraabraham6698]

@@MarksHouseandGardenUKYes, I'm thinking of doing that; I just want to see where it begins to push out new growth, then cut to compensate...

[@melbdownunder9483]

I was watching you r video from July 21 about tree ferns, in Australia we have grass trees which look magnificent; might do well in your climate.

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

I will look thrm up and see how they look and if they will cope in the UK. If i can get one here i will and put it in the garden. I haven't heard of grass trees... Heading to google now 🙂

[@annieportch5165]

Thanks for advice. I didnt realose I had bought a lolipop olove tree. I have been hoping for an old knarled looking olive tree. Silly me. Now I do know. My tree is straggly and we have had it about 4 years. So I will prune it now and hope it bushes out a little.

[@melafernandez2129]

Brilliant advice as the olive I inherited when my sister died is looking very sad and almost dead. I was going to replace it but instead am now going to follow your advice and try to bring it back to life so a big thank you ❤

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

I'm sure it will thrive if you give it a chance 😊 thank you for watching. Mark

[@idarandal1162]

This is great 🙌 Last summer I bought my very first tree (about 1,80 tall). I made the mistanke of bringing it inside over winter and by now... It is "dead". It lost all leaves and loads of dead branches. It's beeb back outside for at few weeks, and I just cut it back completely.. I've cut off everything dead and so it's left with only a few bigger branches. How long will it be before I have i green healthy tree again? Any hope for this summer? I've wanted to give up so many to times, but i stick with it. After all, what's the point of getting a new one, until I know how to properly care for it - this is my learning-tree I guess 😂

[@jenniferedmonds7069]

Hi Mark, I recently discovered your channel and enjoy learning more about caring for olive trees. I purchased a small "twig" at my grocery store about three years ago. I was so, so excited to see flowers blooming on it in March. If you could mention in a future video how to correct a lopsided tree, that would be great. I keep mine in a southwest corner window(s) all winter and bring it out on the patio all summer. Cheers from northern Colorado.

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Hi Jennifer, thanks for watching and commenting. Really appreciate you being there in north colarado. So, my first question is, why do you wish to straighten the olive? 😊

[@ethicalpepper8253]

So wish I’d watched these before planting mine! I just bought 2 beautiful trees from a private garden, (they are quite large), and I may have overwatered them. Some of the leaves have gone brown. Shall I repot it in compost with feed mixed in with grit?

[@NICKYPRIESTLEY1]

Just bought a beautiful 5ft ish olive tree. I'm going to message the garden centre to see if it's been pruned already this year. It's quite full so I'm guessing not.

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

And if you want blossom and potentially fruit it might be best to leave it alone this summer and see what happens. 😊

[@prestige3955]

Good advice. I have noticed that everyone I put a new olive in my garden I lose all leaves second year. I presume this is distress ?

[@wendy5908]

Hello from Texas! What a great video! I have 3 olive trees. They are doing pretty good and healthy. I would like to round the top so they can get full. After watching’ I’m still a tad bit nervous on where and how to cut back.

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Hello Wendy and hello texas!! How about just pruning a few branches then patiently waiting in order to grow your confidence? I understand your nervousness. Mark

[@TheEnthusiasticGardener]

Hi Mark, are you pruning these in March? If you do another video next time you prune, can you go into a little bit more detail as it was very quick and I couldn’t really see exactly where you were pruning? That would be so helpful as it’ll be my first time at pruning mine … need to get it right! Thanks so much, so glad I’ve found your channel and I’ll be catching up with your other videos now 🥰

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Hi again. Yes i think this was March. Although i continued to trim them throughout the growing season. They have all done great this year. Mark

[@TheEnthusiasticGardener]

@@MarksHouseandGardenUK thanks Mark 🥰

[@myolduselessaccount2592]

Hi there. I’ve just bought a huge olive tree that clearly needs pruning & feeding. Can I prune now in July ? Your videos have been helpful. Thanks so much. Lesley

[@jennyholding5272]

Thank you for this video. Very interesting. We have two pom pom olive trees we bought last summer. They are about 5’ high and I am just about to follow your instructions and give them a prune. One is very wonky. Any advice on straightening it?

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

The pom poms sound lovely. I've put mine in the ground today. Regarding the wonky one... If it is still supple enough to bend you could try gently bracing or splinting it to a broom handle. But perhaps you could just leave it, i like the thought of a wonky pom pom olive tree. 😊

[@JohnMartin-oh6bf]

I have an olive tree that’s got a fairly thick trunk,but I need to repot it. How many inches wider at the top should I go of the new pot?

[@nonpareilstoryteller5920]

Brilliant . I just invested in a half dozen olive trees and my son sent me the link to your video from last year as I am just about to repot the trees. Now I know how to do it properly and I am delighted to watch this follow up that proves the method you proposed is a good one. I look forward to tending my olive trees to pass onto future generations with proper care and attention. And one day I hope to be bottling the fruit. That will indeed be a thrill. Thank you.

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Thank you so much for this message. I'm about to do an update on the pruning. Also, i will be doing a video this week called "Olive tree rescue" because i just bought two sorry looking reduced plants from morrisons. Let me know how you get on. Very best wishes. Mark

[@photogram1]

Hi Mark! Thank you for this (another) wonderful lesson for Olive tree growing! I just received my first tree for Mother's Day, and it is in a small 8 inch pot, and really just one healthy little "twig" of a plant. After just a couple of weeks, the beautiful leaves have just started dropping off!! That is how I discovered your vlog... I have always taken pride in loving and growing plants and bushes, but I really but have not had a tree before. After watching your vlog on Olive tree care, I am about to repot my tree into a larger pot, and feed it. I live in a zone that should be a great spot for this baby to LIVE!! I am in zone 8B in the coastal area of Charleston, South Carolina, USA. My question is: Should I move to a 10 or 12 inch pot and repot as it grows, or should I move right on into a larger pot like the ones you had prior to your replanting? I plan to make a compote like the one you made on this video... and that is all the food it needs? Or do I still need to add the tomato food to the soil when I water? I will be anxiously waiting to hear your response to these questions... thank you so much in advance... I can't wait to see my olive tree grow... ~ Brenda L

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Hi Brenda. What a lovely message to receive, thank you. I think perhaps go up one or two sizes but not too huge. I think the important thing is drainage. Also allow it to almost dry out between watering. You can feel the soil with your finger tips. As far a the feeding is concerned, feed during the growing season but i feed only once a week. Is your olive plant in a similar environment now to where it was before you received it? Mark

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Again, to reiterate, ensure good drainage and allow to almost dry betwwen watering, then soak. Mark

[@photogram1]

@@MarksHouseandGardenUK Greetings MArk! Thank you for such a quick reply!! My son bought it in a grocery store. It is an Arbequina Olive tree. .. it was neglected somewhat, which I have always been able to love back to life! I have put it on my front porch to get good sunlight and let dry out somewhat. I did not re-pot it as of yet, as I wanted to hear back from you. I will put it in a bigger pot, with fresh soil. The potting soil mix that I have is the Miracle Gro "more blooms for more color. Will this be okay for my olive tree? I also have a pineapple plant I want to re-pot as well. I wrote down you formula or compote as well as the Tomato Feed... ANY advise is appreciated! Thank you! And yes... the drainage will have some pottery pieces and gravel in the bottom... ~ Brenda

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

@@photogram1 can you get hold of some horticultural grit? I would mix some grit maybe a third into the miracle grow. Also, put some 'crocks' over the drainage holes to stop the soil washing through. Good luck with it. We're probably a few thousand miles apart. Amazing how youtube connects!

[@christopherreeves8293]

I have 3 olive trees next to each other,the outside ones are OK.The middle one's leaves are curling but the tree haves new leaves on it. Any idea what to do to cure the problem

[@ceejay5609]

Hi got a new olive tree and just watching all your great tips. Can I ask when should I prune it? Clare

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

I would say after the last frosts have finished. (in the UK). I think it's wise to avoid pruning during the cold season/dormancy. Mark

[@baronsanggha9978]

Dear Sir, have you ever tried using the twig of an olive tree to brush teeth? A little birdy told me that it can be used as a chewing gum stick, similar to miswak Thx in advance 🙏🏻

[@eliev7844]

Thank you for this very helpful video. My olive tree looks very sad and bedraggled, and no wonder, as the poor thing is well overdue a haircut! Can I ask what type of compost you used when you repotted them? Thanks 😊

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Hi again Elie. Just bog standard compost. If you go to my list of videos and about 18 months ago i did a video simply titled "OLIVE TREE CARE" in which i examined the roots and repotted them. Mark

[@lisalavallee6564]

Hi Mark. I recently purchased an Olive tree a few wks ago and noticed it’s been loosing a lot of leaves lately. I usually water it once a week. For instance I watered it this past Monday and the soil is still pretty wet so I’m assuming my issue is due to overwatering. I put the plant outdoors today with hope it would dry it up some. Should I repot it or just keep it outside In the sun for a bit? I don’t want to loose it. Any suggestions would be great. Thank you for your time. You videos are very helpful.

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

It's a good question this. Is it possible to gentle lift the root out of the pot and look what the drainage is like? Does it have crocks? Is it damp and soggy? It nay perhaps be worth repotting it into more gritty soil mix and letting it dry out between watering?

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

If you haven't already done so have a look at my first olive tree care video (not the top ten tips one). Mark

[@lisalavallee6564]

@@MarksHouseandGardenUK thanks for responding. Unfortunately I’m not sure there is an easy way to lift the root out of the pot. I can’t remember but I do think I putting rocks in bottom for drainage.

[@amyhelmick7727]

Mark hello from Emmett Idaho USA! I'm so happy to have found your video. We are not in a climate that is i believe conducive to outdoor olive tree survival. I have had a large olive growing and thriving in a southern sunny huge window in my flowershop. I am retiring and want so badly to keep it. It is now about 9 feet tall and I have not pruned it. Can it be taken indoors for the freezing months and moved outside as it warms? Out temperatures can dip to 10° at times in the winter but we have long hot sunny summers. I would welcome your advice because the tree is so beautiful and has been a show piece for the shop and I would love to keep it. Thank you for your brilliant video...in particular the pruning. You have been so helpful. Amy

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Hi Amy. Sorry for the delay i thought I'd answered. My opinion is 'try it' but keep an eye on it. It obviously enjoys where is has been. So try to emulate that as far as possible. Don't over water and don't expose to very drying heating indoors. The plant will let you know. Best wishes. Mark

[@amyhelmick7727]

@@MarksHouseandGardenUK thank you so much Mark. I did some pruning and the tree did fine. This large tree will soon go next to my small one that I have had in the east window that has done well. Given its size we shall see. Did I hear sub zero Temps in your part of the world? Amy

[@user-lz1ui8id1s]

Hi Mike, thanks for these videos which are very good. I bought a house 2 years ago with 2 olive trees and i'm owning up to not pruning them. They are both now very tall and leggy and the trunks are sizeable. How far back can I safely prune them without destroying them?

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Hi There. On my channel I pruned one all the way back to the base and left only one leaf. It still came back, search "extreme pruning experiment". I would say go as far as you want. Mark

[@user-lz1ui8id1s]

Thanks Mark, I've taken your advice and cut one back hard so fingers crossed!

[@moimal9754]

Do you think it’s possible to raise olive trees in Florida, US?

[@ralis5297]

The tip of the leaves of my olive tree are turning brown and shiver... even the new grown😢 any idea why that is and how to remedy?

[@tonebonetones]

Why no anti weed matting and gravel on the top.....like you had on the originals prior to repotting?

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Hi good question. I decided not to put it that time but instead mulch regularly. In fact i started mulching with pond weed. And now the four Olives are planted into the ground and there is gravel and weed membrane again. Have a look at my video Mediterranean scented border. Thanks for watching and commenting. Mark

[@AbrahamHernandez-zh6do]

En que temporada podas el olivo en el otoño o en primavera

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

I prune mine any time in the growing season. Spring through to early fall. But i avoid pruning during the winter. I wish you success with your olive. Best wishes. Mark

[@AbrahamHernandez-zh6do]

Gracias por tu respuesta

[@itsthomasYT]

Which season is the best to prune an Olive tree in the UK?

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Hi I would say late spring or through the growing season but not autumn or winter. If you prune it too late in the summer newly developing buds/leaves may get damaged. Mark

[@jamieaton]

I've never heard of leaving weeds in the pot because they will add nutrients. Don't the weeds have seeds that can germinate if you keep it on the soil?

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Hi Jamie. It's a fair point about the seeds but then I'd just keep pulling them up and dropping them. Eventually you will be pulling up juvenile weeds which haven't gone to seed yet and ultimately they will diminish and die away. It's similar to a method called 'chop and drop'

[@sampotter9344]

Do you still have your ensete's?

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Hi sam. The big ones are safely tucked up inside the garage. We'll be putting in the ground this season not giant planters. Probably in just over a month's time.

[@sampotter9344]

@@MarksHouseandGardenUK look forward to the video!

[@danidanielkd549]

Hi how old olive tree

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Hi dani. I have had these olive trees about 5 years. They were probably 4 or 5 years old before i got them. Mark

[@danidanielkd549]

Thank you Mark s please send me pic from your trees

[@brianbrian6202]

Cook a steak over the clippings.

[@96Caleb96]

Your breathing is so loud

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Thanks for that