When and how to prune the olive tree

The pruning of olive trees is a crucial operation to ensure healthy growth, good olive production, and prevent diseases. However, knowing when and how to prune is essential to avoid mistakes that could harm the plant. We will explain when to prune the olive tree, which tools to use, and how to carry out pruning in the correct way.

When should olive trees be pruned?

Olive tree pruning is generally done between mid-winter and early spring, that is, between the end of January and April, depending on the climate of the area.

Why this period?

• The plant is in a vegetative rest, and the risk of frost is reduced.
• The new buds haven’t fully developed yet, preventing them from being damaged.
• It promotes balanced growth for the new season.

Avoid pruning in autumn or when temperatures are too cold, as the frost could damage the fresh cuts, exposing the tree to diseases.

What types of olive tree pruning are there?

There are different types of pruning, each with a specific purpose:

• Formation pruning: Done in the early years of the plant’s life, it helps shape a balanced canopy and create a solid structure for the future.
• Production pruning: Pertains to adult olive trees and keeps the tree productive by removing old branches and promoting light and air penetration.
• Renewal or rejuvenation pruning: Ideal for very old or neglected plants, it helps restore vigor by removing damaged parts and stimulating the growth of new branches.

What tools are needed for proper pruning?

For effective and safe pruning, make sure to have the right tools:

• Pruning shears: For small branches (up to 2 cm in diameter)
• Pruning saw or loppers: For thicker branches
• Battery-powered chainsaw (optional): For very large branches
• Work gloves and protective glasses: To avoid injury
• Stable ladder: If the tree is tall
• Healing paste: To protect larger cuts from infections

Important: All tools should be sharp and disinfected before use to prevent transmitting diseases to the plant.

How to prune an olive tree step by step

Here’s a practical method for correct pruning:

1. Remove dry or diseased branches Cut the damaged, broken, or dry branches at the base. This prevents the plant from wasting energy on unnecessary parts.
2. Eliminate suckers and water shoots Remove suckers (vigorous branches growing vertically inside the canopy) and water shoots (shoots sprouting at the base of the trunk), as they drain energy from the tree.
3. Open the canopy to allow light and air The olive tree should have an airy canopy to improve photosynthesis and reduce the risk of diseases, so it’s recommended to cut branches that cross or grow inward, leaving the main branches well distributed in a “vase” shape.
4. Control the tree’s height If the olive tree is too tall, it will be difficult to harvest the olives and manage the tree. Reduce the height by shortening some of the main branches, but not excessively.
5. Refine cuts and apply healing paste Larger cuts (over 3 cm in diameter) should be smoothed with a saw and treated with healing paste to avoid infections and protect the plant.

Mistakes to avoid during pruning:

• Cutting too many branches: Excessive pruning stresses the plant and reduces olive production.
• Leaving too many internal branches: If the canopy is too dense, the tree will suffer from humidity and fungal diseases.
• Not disinfecting the tools: The risk of transmitting diseases is high if dirty tools are used.

Don’t have time or the equipment to prune your olive tree?

Olive tree pruning requires attention, proper tools, and some skill. If you’re not sure how to do it correctly, you can rely on Zarcle!

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