Pruning the olive tree - step by step to the perfect shape

Occasionally the olive tree has to be shaped so that the crown is well ventilated. That's not hard. It is important that you use the scissors carefully.

Olive trees need pruning to bring in a rich harvest[/caption] Olive trees usually grow in tubs outside of southern climes, in very mild areas also outdoors. The trees are not very demanding, but it can still be an advantage if you prune your sapling regularly. This ensures a nice shape, good ventilation and an increased fruit yield. After all, whoever plants an olive tree also wants to see some olives grow.

➜ Pruning - 2 different ways

If you want to prune your olive tree, you have two different options:

Conservation cut
Upbringing

The maintenance cut ensures even growth and the training cut brings the crown into shape. Olive trees are pruning tolerant, so you can't go far wrong. In the case of the hobby gardener, the two cutting forms are often mixed up. That's no problem at all. It is only important that you remove disturbing, incorrectly growing, diseased and weak branches. This way the crown is well ventilated and the tree can develop.

➜ The best time

The right time for both types of pruning is in late winter or spring, in any case before flowering. Cut potted plants in winter quarters in January or February, outdoor specimens only when it is no longer freezing.

By the way, the cut is not necessary every year, the rule here is: Less is more! In autumn you can remove long, disturbing water shoots that are consuming the tree too much. As an exception, you can cut dead or diseased branches and remove branches affected by windbreak. You can remove shoots in the root area all year round.

➜ The pruning tool

Pruning shears or pruning shears are sufficient for younger trees. Older trees have very hard wood, so a hand saw is recommended for thicker branches.

➜ Pruning an olive tree - explained step by step

Important toBeginning: Always leave the main shoot standing, it is only slightly shortened if necessary, if the tree otherwise becomes too big. The side shoots should be a little shorter than the main shoot.

» Step 1: Start cutting from the top. The young and fresh wood is shortened to create a beautiful shape. It is ideal when the side shoots increase in length from top to bottom. Then a triangular shape is formed, the crown of the tree looks oval. The goal is a loose, airy crown.

» Step 2: Also remove branches that grow inwards and/or cross other branches. In this case, always cut the weaker branch. Stingy branches must also be cut out.

» Step 3: Finally, remove thin, leafless branches at the bottom of the crown.

If you want an olive tree in the typical gnarled, original form, only remove puny and weak branches as well as long, thin water shoots.