Olive tree too tall?
Chipper144
Posts: 2
in Plants
Hi,
I have been given an olive tree and am looking for some advice on how best to handle it. The attached picture shows what I am dealing with. It is just over 1m from the ground to the first branch - I am worried that this is just the wrong size / shape for the container. Should I be pruning it down somehow or is it just a case of getting some big wooden stakes to secure it. A bit lost here - any advice appreciated.
Thanks, Chipper.
0
Posts
Hi Chips, i have the same size and the same shape olive tree it came with the house purchase , i found this from RHS it maybe time for both of us to start nipping
It looks like the ones we have, and you are at an advantage that you have it in a square container with a firm base. Ours have narrower bases and get blown over in the wind, which is not good for them, so your pot is better. From my reading, they don't seem to need to upgrade on pots too often - can survive for some time in the pot you have. Don't water in winter, hardy in normal frost conditions, but if there is a prolonged cold period or unseasonably cold temps, maybe move to a cold greenhouse, or inside a garage for the duration. Don't overfeed, and most of all, don't water in winter - just ignore, as they hate wet roots in the winter time. Just start watering when it gets warm and dry in spring. You can tidy up the long fronds - I probably need to do that on ours as they are a bit scruffy. But from my reading, they are a bit of a 'less is more' plant, which suits me fine!
If you think about it, they survive on rocky hillsides in places like Greece and Italy, where water supply will be a bit intermittent, conditions dry, and limited possibilities for root penetration, so they are not likely to be too demanding. Also, ours seem to like being at the front of the house which is sheltered and south facing, and as near to a Mediterranean micro-climate as it is possible to get in the Midlands!!
And as an added point, next time you are in Poundstretcher or B & M or the Range or some such store, why not buy some solar powered fairy lights for your olive tree (about a fiver I think). This photo does no justice to the idea - honestly, in real life, it is a very magical thing to do and gives you twice the pleasure. I think I need to re position the lights to reflect the fact that the tree has grown so much!
Thanks BB/Alan.
Fairy lights will go down well with Mrs Chipper. Alan was there a link you meant to include there?
Yes, it will make Mrs Chipper smile. Don't tell her you're doing it, rig them up, then do the reveal whilst passing her a glass of wine. You'll not be able to put a foot wrong for about a week....
http://www.rhs.org.uk/Advice/profile?PID=138 (sorry i missed it I just went to olive trees RHS. nip away