How to prune an olive tree and when to do it
that the olive tree is our favorite tree is something undeniable, perhaps that is why we are so attracted to all the curiosities that concern it. From the impressive Millennial olive trees until properties of your sheets, any excuse is good to talk about the best supplier of all, the one with our beloved olives.
On this occasion we are going to focus on a very interesting topic: the Olive pruning. It is necessary, of course, but do you know why? Do you have any idea how and when an olive tree is pruned exactly? In this post we give you all the answers.
Why is it good to prune an olive tree
as we mentioned, Olive pruning is an essential task. This is so because by cutting the dry branches, which are the least productive, we prevent the tree from losing the sap in these areas. We also prevent possible pests, contributing to the good condition of the olive tree and its Revitalization.
In addition, by limiting the growth of the cup and keeping it clean, we get the sunlight to penetrate better, which is essential for Promote the production of olives, and even its subsequent collection!
What does this mean? Well, pruning the olive tree is the only way to guarantee its maximum productivity. And remember that, if it weren’t for the olives it produces, we could never enjoy our beloved liquid gold!
When to prune the olive trees
When to prune an olive tree? Should it be done at some point?
The usual thing is to take the opportunity to carry out this task when the trees are in vegetative rest, that is, Right after olive harvesting. That is why the olive pruning season is usually between winter and the first months of spring.
Is the collected olive for table? then the ideal is to prune the olive trees between November and December. And if this fruit is going to be used for the production of the oil, as is our case, the pruning should be carried out between February and April.
Can an olive tree be pruned in summer?
You know when to prune an olive tree in winter, but what happens in summer?
We can also prune olive trees during the hottest months of the year, yes, although not the best option. The main reason that pruning is carried out in winter is that it is a time when these trees are resting, so they suffer as little as possible.
In any case, for some olive trees it prunes in summer -normally, Between August and September– It can also be very effective as long as it is done carefully. Also, it’s a good time to Clean your lower part, like the logs on the trunk.
How often should they be pruned?
The conclusion we come to with all this is that the most appropriate olive tree pruning season depends on the characteristics of each olive tree in question – its location, its variety, its age…-.
Now, what about the frequency? How often should these trees be pruned? for the most appropriate pruning frequency is determined by the number of unproductive branches of the olive tree, among other factors.
Yes, as a general rule, No olive tree should be more than three years without pruning. Experts recommend performing olive pruning annually, at least if we don’t want your performance to decline.
How to prune an olive tree?
We come to the most interesting part of all this: how to prune an olive tree. And this task requires Knowledge, accuracy and use of the right tools. Sure thing!
How to start? It should always be done by branches that are broken, twisted or dry. It is best to use pruning shears for the smallest and, if necessary, take a saw for the thicker ones. Needless to say, the cuts must be clean so as not to expose the wood to possible pests.
Luckily, there are effective techniques to achieve it. The Blind cut, for example, completely removes a branch to be able to redirect nutrients to its neighboring branches. that of throw, for its part, leaves a small stump in order to favor the growth of new branches, while that of Recess Simply reduce the height of each branch.
The age of the olive tree
EYE! Not all pruning is the same. The olive age, in fact, is one of the factors that determines how each tree should be pruned:
Pruning of a young olive tree
The task of pruning a young olive tree has a name: Training pruning. It is the one that takes place in the first years of the olive tree, so it is very light and focuses on Give a consolidated shape to the structure of the tree to favor the collection of its olives.
How to prune an old olive tree
When the olive tree grows and reaches adulthood, it needs a production pruning, that is, one focused on extending its useful life. In this phase, the branches over 4 years old must be eliminated and try to encourage the birth of new young branches.
And then? How to prune an old olive tree? well with a good rejuvenation pruning of the olive tree In this last stage of the life of the tree, it is necessary to get rid of non-productive branches more frequently in order to increase its fertility.
So far our lesson on olive pruning, an essential process to keep the best tree in the world healthy and strong. And most importantly: to be able to Prepare with its fruit an olive oil of the highest quality. Yes, one like ours!
And it is that, as you know, at Beloleum we offer a Gourmet oil unmatched. Our extra virgin olive oil is a pleasure for the five senses, and it would not be if it were not thanks to the pruning of our olive trees! Our mill dates from 1879 and is located in the Belchite countryside region, a land where the olive cultivation is tradition from nothing more and nothing less than ancient Rome.
Haven’t you enjoyed the Beloleum oil? You don’t know what you’re missing, try it now!
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