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- Q.Why Is My Olive Tree Losing Leaves ? - I have a large olive tree in a pot outside that has been fine for several years. In the last ...
- Q.Should I Prune My Olive Tree? - I am growing olive tree in a pot. It has lost all leaves because of the severe frost this winter ...
- Q.Can This Olive Tree Be Saved? - This olive tree was brought into the conservatory to hibernate over winter and was lovely and green when we put ...
- Q.What Is The Best Soil To Pot My Olive Tree In? - I've recently had a small new pot grown olive tree and a local nurseryman told me to pot in ericaceous ...
- Q.What Can I Do With A Very Well Established Olive Tree? - This tree ia at least 20 years old. I put it in the ground 13 years ago. I don't want ...
- Q.I Uses Top Soil From Local Store To Transfer Young Olive Tree To A 5 Gallon Bucket, After 3 Weeks The Leaves Started To Welt And F - all, I checked the PH and was very acidic according to the gage, do I need to make it alkaline ...
Asked by
Sjhay! on
May 19, 2024
ChesterfieldQ.Why Is My Olive Tree Losing Leaves ?
I have a large olive tree in a pot outside that has been fine for several years. In the last couple of weeks it has started to lose lots of leaves. Some of the branches are now bare. I’m not sure if it’s under/ over watered. Some of the leaves have marks on them and are curling up. I have also noticed lots of ants crawling about in the soil and some on the trunk. I’m wondering if they are building in the soil and damaging the roots? I have started to feed with olive tree food but worried it’s going to die.
Answered by
BushDoctor on
May 20, 2024
Certified ExpertA.I think there are several factors, here. I do think that the ants are doing damage, but it shouldn't be that bad. What would cause this much decline would be that the tree is struggling to get water with such a cramped root space. This leads to situations like this where rot will take over. Unfortunately, a new container, roughing up the roots just a little, using a fungicide,and replanting into a larger container might be your best option. With such cramped root space the tree cannot get enough water and nutrients. You did the right thing by feeding, but there is still the issue of the cramped root system.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/root-bound-symptoms.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/olive/growing-olive-trees-in-containers.htm
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- Asked by
Anonymous on
May 23, 2024Q.Should I Prune My Olive Tree?
I am growing olive tree in a pot. It has lost all leaves because of the severe frost this winter and my luck of proper care. I wanted to change the shape for more round one ,but it just started shooting new leaves and I am not sure if I should trim it this year. If yes ,when would be the best time ?
- Answered by
GKH_Susan on
May 25, 2024
Certified ExpertA.You can prune it now. Here is more:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/olive/pruning-olive-trees.htm
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
PaulaS7 on
June 2, 2024
NorthamptonQ.Can This Olive Tree Be Saved?
This olive tree was brought into the conservatory to hibernate over winter and was lovely and green when we put it out but now it looks brown and dead
- Answered by
BushDoctor on
June 3, 2024
Certified ExpertA.That is quite a bit of stress! I've known this to happen for a few reasons, but over and underwatering are most common. These trees will appreciate things on the dry side, but they cannot handle an entire winter without watering. On the other hand, they are not tolerant of wet soils. If the soil remained damp through the winter, then it can suffocate and kill of roots.
I'd recommend checking to see if the tree is alive,first, with a scratch test.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/tree-scratch-test.htm
Pruning may be a good idea. Now would be the time.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/olive/pruning-olive-trees.htm
This article will help you with general care:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/olive/olive-tree-care-information.htm
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
Anonymous on
June 18, 2024Q.What Is The Best Soil To Pot My Olive Tree In?
I've recently had a small new pot grown olive tree and a local nurseryman told me to pot in ericaceous compost. Since potting on into the compost the tree does not look as if it is thriving. Looks a bot droopy and has some clusters of white frothy substance on it.
- Answered by
GKH_Susan on
June 19, 2024
Certified ExpertA.Frothy substance could be spittle bugs if your pot is outside. The soil may be too acidic. I did some research and most university publications said pot in well-drained poor to average soil. One said the soil pH can range from mildly acidic to alkaline (6.5 to 8.5), but none said to plant specifically in acidic soil. I suggest side dressing your pot with a mix of regular potting soil with perlite mixed in to increase drainage. Try to work it in a bit without disturbing the roots. Here is more:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/spittlebug-control.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/olive/olive-tree-care-information.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/olive/growing-olive-trees-in-containers.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/olive/pruning-olive-trees.htm
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
Anonymous on
September 4, 2024Q.What Can I Do With A Very Well Established Olive Tree?
This tree ia at least 20 years old. I put it in the ground 13 years ago. I don't want to lose it, but it is taking over the bed (which has a pear tree,cherry tree, broom and dogwood). Can I cut it down? If so how and how much?
- Answered by
GKH_Susan on
September 8, 2024
Certified ExpertA.This article should help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/olive/pruning-olive-trees.htm
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
issam-49 on
March 6, 2025
35077Q.I Uses Top Soil From Local Store To Transfer Young Olive Tree To A 5 Gallon Bucket, After 3 Weeks The Leaves Started To Welt And F
all, I checked the PH and was very acidic according to the gage, do I need to make it alkaline medium, and if so how! basically that is it, I do not have the means to send photo
- Answered by
BushDoctor on
March 6, 2025
Certified ExpertA.I would not use topsoil in container. I would also recommend a planter with plenty of drainage, and good potting soil. Adding a very small amount of topsoil to this cannot hurt, but the roots will suffocate in top soil in container. This is especially true if there are no drainage holes.
This article will offer more information:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/olive/growing-olive-trees-in-containers.htm
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