How to Prune Fragrant Tea Olives

The fragrant tea olive tree, or Osmanthus fragrans, can be found in growing zones 7 through 10. Depending on the variety of fragrant tea olive tree growing, the heights can reach from six to 30 feet, with a spread that is similar to the height. The white flowers are small, but they grow in clusters and emit a fragrance that perfumes the air. Although fragrant tea olive trees don't need much pruning, it is required to help increase the air flow to cut down on disease, and it helps to rejuvenate new growth and flower production.

Instructions

- 1
  Examine the tea olive tree late in the winter or early in the spring. Remove branches that cross and rub against other branches. The rubbing of two branches can cause damage or disease to the healthy branch by removing the bark.
- 2
  Remove just the stray branches to keep the tree looking neat. Stand back and look at the tree. This will help you to find any branches that are out of symmetry with the overall appearance of the fragrant tea olive.
- 3
  Remove any dead or broken branches down to the base or to the lateral branch. This task can be done any time of year.
- 4
  Shear the tops and sides of the fragrant tea olive trees if they are growing as a hedge and you want a formal look.

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