How to prune olive trees

When to prune olive trees

Olive trees should be pruned in early summer, when the olive flowers are in bloom. Pruning can allow the olive branches to sprout new buds.

In addition, the olive tree to be pruned should be over 4 years old. If it is too young, the pruning should be moderate. After the seedlings are planted and survive, they should be fixed when they are 1-1.5 meters tall. It is usually cut at about 0.8 meters. Select 3-5 branches in different directions as main branches. When the main branches are too long, cut them short at 60 cm. Leave 3 side branches on each main branch. Process them step by step to form early-fruiting and high-yielding crowns as soon as possible.

Fruit tree pruning: In principle, light pruning is mainly used for trees that have just started to produce, mainly to prune away excessively long branches and promote the growth of side branches; pruning during the peak production period is mainly to adjust the ratio of vegetative growth to reproductive growth; pruning in the later period is mainly to remove dead branches, shaded branches, and diseased and insect-infested branches inside the crown.

Olive tree pruning techniques

Cut back all suckers to your desired lowest branch point. It is best to use a pruning saw to ensure an even cut.

Cut off one of the tallest branches 6 to 12 inches below the tree's desired height or two, using a thinner branch pruning saw or branch shears. Do not remove more than one-third of the vertical stem.

Cut back the tops of branches that have lots of blooms. Remove no more than one-third of the blossoms, using hand pruners.