Can You Prune Olive Trees in Winter

Always wait to trim until the rains of winter are done, since pruning opens entry points for water-borne disease to enter the tree. This is of utmost importance if olive knot is a problem in your area.

How do you prune an overgrown olive tree?

An overgrown and unattended olive should be pruned to regain the tree’s form and open its crown to sunlight. Prune to establish a clear trunk 3 to 4 feet tall. Prune out broken, dead, diseased, and unproductive wood first. Prune to establish a crown with 3 to 5 main branches.

How do you keep olive trees alive in the winter?

Mulch the base of your olive trees to protect them from the cold. Wrap the pots with a thick cover, and avoid letting rain fall in. Cover with horticultural fleece, keeping buffer space all around so no leaves touch it. Again, the goal here is to avoid condensation touching the plant since it is a source of moisture.