Olive Tree Planting Guide
Planting Olive Trees: How to Do It Right in 5 Easy Steps
Planting an olive tree is the start of something timeless—whether it’s a single statement tree bringing Mediterranean charm to your garden or an entire grove shaping the landscape for generations to come. These trees have thrived for centuries in sun-drenched climates, but with the right approach, they can flourish beautifully in the UK. By following a few key steps, you’ll give your olive tree the strong foundation it needs to grow, establish deep roots, and become a lasting part of your space. So let's dive in!
1. Choosing the Right Location
The success of an olive tree starts with where it’s planted. These trees crave sunlight and well-drained soil, so selecting the right spot is essential. A south-facing position that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily will give your tree the warmth it needs.
Equally important is the soil. Olive trees do not tolerate waterlogged conditions, and heavy clay soil can suffocate their roots. If your soil is dense or slow-draining, improve it by mixing in horticultural grit or sand before planting. If you’re planting multiple trees, spacing them at least 1.5 to 3 meters apart will allow their canopies to develop fully while maintaining good airflow.
2. Preparing the Planting Hole
Digging the right hole sets the foundation for your tree’s growth. The hole should be twice as wide as the root ball and just slightly deeper than its base. This allows the roots to spread easily while ensuring the tree isn’t buried too deep, which can lead to excess moisture around the trunk and potential rot.
If you’re planting in an area prone to strong winds, now is the time to position support stakes. For young olive trees, especially half-standard ones, a two-stake method offers the best stability. Position two sturdy stakes about 30–40 cm apart, deep enough to provide strong support without restricting movement.
3. Planting Your Olive Trees
Carefully remove the olive tree from its pot, taking care not to damage the roots. If the roots appear tightly wound, gently tease them apart to encourage outward growth rather than circling, which can restrict development.
Lower the tree into the prepared hole, ensuring the top of the root ball sits level with the surrounding ground. If the soil is higher than the root ball, adjust it to prevent excess moisture accumulating around the trunk. Positioning the tree upright is essential—if planting a row of trees, using a string line as a guide will ensure a visually pleasing and well-structured layout.
Once in position, begin backfilling the hole gradually, pressing the soil down gently as you go. This secures the tree while allowing airflow around the roots. Mixing in mycorrhizal fungi at this stage can help establish strong root connections, and adding a small amount of bone meal or well-rotted compost provides slow-release nutrients. Avoid over-compacting the soil, as olive trees prefer light, aerated conditions.
4. Securing and Supporting Your Olives
If you’ve used stakes, now is the time to attach soft rubber tree ties. Secure the trunk to the stakes at two points—one around 30 cm above the ground, the other midway up the trunk. Using a figure-eight pattern ensures the tree remains stable without being overly restricted. The goal is to provide support while still allowing the tree to move slightly in the wind, which strengthens its trunk over time.
Check the ties every few months, particularly during the growing season. If they start to dig into the bark, loosen or adjust them as needed. Once the tree has established a strong root system, usually after two years, the stakes and ties can be removed.
5. Watering and Aftercare
Water the tree deeply immediately after planting. This first watering settles the soil, removes air pockets, and ensures good contact between the roots and their new environment. Use around 10–15 liters of water, making sure it reaches the root zone rather than just wetting the surface.
In the first year, water regularly but avoid overwatering. Olive trees are drought-tolerant once mature but need consistent moisture while establishing. During warm months, watering once a week is usually sufficient, though this should be adjusted based on rainfall. In winter, reduce watering to prevent waterlogging, which can damage the roots.
Applying a layer of mulch around the base of the tree will help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Gravel, small stones, or bark chips are ideal—gravel is particularly beneficial for olive trees as it improves drainage and reflects heat, creating a microclimate that encourages growth.
With careful planting and attention in its first year, your olive trees will establish themselves quickly, ready to become a highlight of beauty and history in your landscape for years to come.
Video Guides
If you prefer a visual guide, we recommend watching this outdoor olive tree planting tutorial by @MarksHouseandGardenUK, where Mark shares expert tips on planting an olive tree the right way. More helpful links and resources can be found at the bottom of this guide.
Watch the full video below:
Another great video that provides a complete overview of olive tree care and container planting is by BuildersSA. This guide covers everything from choosing the right container to maintaining healthy growth, making it a valuable resource for both new and experienced olive tree owners.
Watch the full video below: