Planting Olive Trees |
Vegetative growth should be pushed in the first few years with a minimum of pruning to establish good trunk and root systems. Olive trees store energy in their non deciduous foliage so early pruning slows growth.
Olive trees do not like wet roots. Soils which will not drain such as clay, should be amended. Soil with underlying hard pan should be ripped. Inclined properties cannot be assumed to have good drainage. Dig a hole and fill it with water to do your own "perc" test to see if the water drains. Sandy loams are excellent soils for olives. When planting olives plant the trees on a mound to make sure the crown is not in a puddle from drip irrigation.
Southern exposures in the West and Southern United States will give better yields and protect from freezes.
Olives can be grown on steep inclines or terraced. The disadvantage comes in access for mechanical harvesting, spraying, and other orchard maintenance chores. There has been debate on whether terraced trees should be placed on the edge of the terrace or against the hillside. Inclines greater than 20 degrees are inappropriate for most tractors and other vehicles.
