Planting & Spacing of Olive Trees

Olive is a native fruit of the Mediterranean, Asia and Africa and grows on evergreen trees with a mature height of up to 50 feet. Olive trees are best adapted to growing in regions with hot weather and a long growing season. The tree is sensitive to late spring frosts. There are also non-fruiting olive tree varieties that are grown for their ornamental value. Olive trees start to bear fruit about four years after planting.

Tree
Shovel
Protective trunk paper

Instructions

- 1
  Select a site in an area of full sun away from sidewalks and structures. Olive trees grow well in any well-drained soil with a soil pH of up to 8.5.
- 2
  Dig the planting hole twice as wide and as deep as the container in which the tree is growing.
- 3
  Slip the tree out of container and trim off any broken roots. Also cut off any long roots that do not fit easily into the planting hole. Center the tree in the hole.
- 4
  Fill the planting hole with soil. Press firmly after adding every few inches of soil until hole is filled. Irrigate site well after planting. Keep new tree well watered so that soil remains moist but not wet. Olive tree roots are intolerant of overly wet soil.
- 5
  Protect new trunks from sunburn, animal damage and herbicides by wrapping with 18 inches of protective paper. Remove when the tree gets established.
- 6
  Control the growth of weeds around tree and apply a light nitrogen fertilizer to ensure good growth.
- 7
  Consider the mature size of tree, olive tree variety and method of cultivation before spacing tree. Space larger tree varieties about 40 feet apart and the medium to small ones about 30 feet apart.

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