- 1). Keep the olive tree’s planting area free of debris and defoliation, as this reduces the presence of infectious fungal and bacterial spores that target the olive tree, such as leaf spot, olive knot and canker. Remove weeds from the area as they appear, so the olive tree is not forced to compete for its nutrients. Be sure to pull the weeds from the roots to prevent its regrowth.
- 2). Apply fungicidal spray treatments to the olive tree in the early spring, just before the growing season begins. Spray the tree thoroughly and evenly with the chemical to kill developing fungal spores and present the germination of dormant ones. Follow the fungicidal spray’s instructions carefully to prevent injury to the olive tree.
- 3). Prune the olive tree in the early spring to promote its vigorous growth and fruit production. Remove dead and damaged olive branches and stems from the tree with sharp, sterile pruning shears. Thin the interior branches of the olive tree to increase the sunlight and air flow throughout the canopy. Trim back vigorously growing branches to match the natural shape of the canopy but do not cut back severely as the olive fruit develops from the previous year’s wood and shoots.
- 4). Rejuvenate tall, old trees by heading back its canopy. Trim back the top third of its canopy and repeat the process each year for two more years (University of California Cooperative Extension). Use this heading-back process to promote new flushes of branch and foliage growth which will increase its reduced fruit production and vigor.
- 5). Irrigate the olive tree during the hot, dry periods of spring and summer to offset the lack of rainfall. Water the olive tree deeply to ensure its deepest roots receive ample water. Maintain a moist soil environment for the olive tree and never allow the tree’s soil to dry out, as this will slow, if not stunt, the olive tree’s growth.
- 6). Fertilize the olive tree regularly throughout the growing season, from early spring through midsummer. Choose a slow-release fertilizer designed for olive tree growth and apply the feed according to the package’s directions to prevent root burn. Never over-fertilize the olive tree as this can stunt the tree’s growth rather than increase its vigor.
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