Defoliating an Olive clump

[Matt S]

This old Olive clump was dug up from the wild approx 9 years ago. I liked the layout of the trunks from the start so not much has been done other than a few tweaks to the trunks and growing the branches. However in the last few years I lost a bit of enthusiasm for it plus I've been more pressed for time so as a result it's been sitting in the corner getting untidy.

before1.jpg

I decided over the weekend to clean it up and see if I still wanted it. After the usual removal of long shoots and unwanted growth I thought I'd give it a complete defoliation. I don't usually do this on my olives but with this tree I could see that a lot of the branches needed to be rebuilt and wired properly which is pretty hard to do with all those leaves. The clump is very healthy and olives are pretty indestructable in these parts so here goes...

before2.jpg

...many hours later. I didn't realise how long this would take, however now I can see the structure properly. Half a bucket of leaves was removed, ready for the compost. Now for the wiring and trimming.

after.jpg

...more hours later. Now I remember why I don't do this every year. But now I'm happier with the composition.

after2.JPG

I'll need to reduce the apex on the main tree to encourage the lower growth as it looks top heavy to me. Once I get new growth I'll post another pic.

Matt.

[Andrew F]

Awesome, I havent quite got the hang of olives yet but its good to know they can handle a full defol. Any other tips for developing/ramifying them?

[Matt S]

Hi Andrew,

I treat my olives very similar to my deciduous. To start a branch from scratch, wire a shoot so the first couple of centimeters are at the angle and direction you want, then let it go and don't touch it until the base is the thickness you want. Chop the branch a couple of centimeters from the trunk and go again.

To develop ramification, let the shoots grow out to about 7 or 8 pairs then cut back to the first or second pair, depending on the direction. That's pretty much it, quite similar to a maple.

Also, don't be afraid to wire right down to the tips, especially in the earlier stages to develop the proper frame. After that it becomes more clip and grow.

Cheers,

Matt.

[Andrew F]

Hi Andrew,

I treat my olives very similar to my deciduous. To start a branch from scratch, wire a shoot so the first couple of centimeters are at the angle and direction you want, then let it go and don't touch it until the base is the thickness you want. Chop the branch a couple of centimeters from the trunk and go again.

To develop ramification, let the shoots grow out to about 7 or 8 pairs then cut back to the first or second pair, depending on the direction. That's pretty much it, quite similar to a maple.

Also, don't be afraid to wire right down to the tips, especially in the earlier stages to develop the proper frame. After that it becomes more clip and grow.

Cheers,

Matt.

This is invaluable thanks Matt, Ive found them to be quiet fickle in my care haha What about potting media, watering and fertilizing?

[Matt S]

Where abouts are you? I can't say I've heard them described as fickle!

I use my usual open mix - 2 thirds inorganic (diatomite, zeolite, pumice) and 1 third organic (potting mix, orchid mix, neem coir).

Keep them on the slightly dry side. Lots of fertilizer, lots of sun. At the moment I'm using Powerfeed and they love it.

Matt.

[Matt S]

Here's an update...
It didn't take long to get a new flush of leaves and I'm really pleased with the result. Lots of new growth evenly distributed across the clump. I've even had to give it a trim already.

New leaves1.jpg

New leaves2.jpg

I think I'll make this a more regular task, just one or two every year so all my olives get a turn.

Matt.

[Andrew Legg]

Matt, looking REALY healthy mate. Have you considered removing the tallest trunk completely? I find it distracting in the picture.

[Andrew F]

Looks fantastic Matt! I found that it was the mix I was using that inhibited my olives from pumping out the new growth after being cut back to barewood. I've collected some locally [Port stephens, NSW] that went straight into a mix of diatomite/scoria/sifted plugger and have never stopped growing for me. So Ive since repotted my olives [from S.A] into that mix and will combine it with alkaline soil enhancement and the pruning/styling technique you've supplied. Fingers crossed.