The Olive Grove in September

Spring is here and despite the COVID19 level restrictions there seems to be increased activity as Marlborough gears up for the season ahead.

Grass growth is strong with warming temperatures and an abundance of moisture in the soil.  Keep grass and weeds in check as it can quickly take over under olive trees and ultimately compete for moisture and nutrients.

If you are in a sheltered place you could get away with planting new or replacement trees now but make sure your soil is not too wet and be mindful of frosts damaging young new growth.
Young non cropping trees could benefit from a small handful of fertiliser (a simple NPK would do) at this time to help give them a good boost for Spring growth.

Main pruning should be in full swing but make sure it’s a dry day.  This helps to minimise the spread of infection/disease and keeps pruning cuts dry and well sealed.  Bigger cuts should be sealed with a pruning paste.  Keep your tools clean and dry and a simple dip into some bleach as you move round the grove will help minimise the spread of disease.
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If pruning your olive trees seems a bit overwhelming remember you don’t have to prune every tree every year.  Experiment with a few trees this year and see how they respond to your work.  Maybe do a minimalist tidy up on a couple of trees and a more extensive topping and middle clear out on another couple.  That way you can see how your trees recover and also get a feel for what you can manage and what works best for your trees.  Don’t get out the chainsaw though unless you want to skip cropping for the next few years!!
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