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I have an olive tree that is about 3 years old. Do I need to prune it and if so when and how?
I have an olive tree that is about 3 years old. Do I need to prune it and if so when and how?
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AKA Angie -
For new trees try to achieve a bare trunk up to about five feet then keep the centre of your tree open by aiming for a goblet shape. Remove all suckers at least once during the summer months. Formative pruning in mid spring and heavier pruning in mid summer and prune fairly hard every three years - keep the centre open!
PS they love seaweed extractGeordie
Te audire non possum. Musa sapientum fixa est in aure
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Do you actually get fruit from Olive trees in the UK (I live about the middle of England)?I am certain that the day my boat comes in, I'll be at the airport.Comment
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I did have fruit the year before last but they didn't ripen very well but I obviously need to do a lot of pruning!! Also I had a grape vine growing over the top so the olive wasn't getting full sun but I will be interested to see what it does this year.AKA AngieComment
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Thanks Geordie, that's a big help.Originally posted by Geordie View Post I've noticed that there are several thickish stems growing up from the base of the tree, should I cut these down as well and just leave the main stem?
AKA AngieComment
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If they are growing from the base of the stem then you need to prune them off as close the the main stem of the tree as possible.
I prune my olive tree every winter around jan or feb as there is always new branches that face downwards, but as yours is still a young tree you may not have this problem.
Mine is a mature tree of about 100 years that I have used to make a feature on the patio._____________
Cheers Chris
Beware Greeks bearing gifts, or have you already got a wooden horse?... hehe.
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Thanks Crichmond. Wow a 100 year old olive, that's impressive! Have you had any fruit of it?AKA AngieComment
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Here in Oz they prune the trees so the branches start at about 2-3ft. We have a few in our garden, one it branches at 1ft.
I had read before leaving the UK that it is very unusual to get fruit as it is just too cold.Comment
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Hi Blossom
I think it probably is unusual, though there is someone growing them down in the south west as a business, I think. Be interesting to see if they get a harvest. Although I had fruit, they didn't ripen fully but I live in hope!!AKA AngieComment
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2 of my olives have fruited, I got 1 fruit from each
My girls found their way into my heart and now they nest thereComment
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Originally posted by MaureenHall View Post2 of my olives have fruited, I got 1 fruit from each
You've obviously got the knack At that rate you'll soon be opening your own olive farm! 
AKA AngieComment
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UK Olive Tree Survey
Some responses to a UK survey here are interesting:
Know your Olives - East of Eden Plants Guide to Olive Trees
Hope this helps.Comment
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I have got a recipe for preparing olives for eatingComment
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