Olive tree wintering difficulties can be avoided with a simple trick

Olive tree is a trendy plant that is becoming increasingly popular in our homes and no wonder. It is a nice and robust tree with shiny leaves which attract attention and if you know how to grow it correctly, you will be rewarded with beautiful flowers, fruits and even benefit from its medicinal properties.

Unfortunately, many young trees lose the beautiful crown shape if you bring them to a cooler room. Leaves will fall down and new leaves are reluctant to sprout in the spring. Fortunately, there is a cure and you can save your olive tree and make it a the dominant feature on your balcony or terrace again!

What to do when your olive tree loses leaves

An olive tree is an evergreen plant and it is not natural for olive tree to suddenly loose a half of its leaves in autumn or in the during the cold months. Leaves are replaced of course, but it is always an ongoing process. Olives comes from the Mediterranean, so it has no chance to survive the winter in the colder regions of Europe so naturally, you have to winterize your tree and to do so you should chose a cooler, but well-lit place.

Photo: Pixabay

Leaves do not fall immediately after you bring it to the winter rest area. It happens gradually. If the leaves fall off rather quickly the usual culprit is overwatering. Only water the tree when the substrate is about to dry out. If the conditions are right, olive trees can last for many weeks without water. However, olive trees that you winterize outside usually suffer because even if you water as you should the water will not get deep enough as the majority will hit the leaves and run away from the root system and only a small amount of water actually reaches the soil in the flowerpot. This also applies to watering during the summer.

Since the olive tree needs very little water and still loses leave there may be another problem – quick temperature changes. It is usually warmer indoors and the air is dry so before you put it outside prepare your tree for it by spraying water mist on them, preferably every day. This will prevent leaves from falling and will make spring regeneration easier.

So, how can you cure olive trees that is losing leaves?

If your tree still has some leaves then you should be ok. If you have not sprayed moist on the treeso far, start doing it now.When your tree starts growing leaves again, shorten the longer branches and the tree will start forming a nicely shaped crown again. This type of pruning will also encourage the growth of new leaves on the side branches, and the tree should be able to grow a nice green crown again. And if you are really lucky, the tree will even reward you with flowers, and eventually with fruits too. It will not be enough for a homemade olive oil, but it will definitely be enough for a nice decoration. As a bonus, try using the fresh leaves to make a healthytea which is used to lower blood pressure.

Preview photo: Pixabay