How often and how to water my olive tree?

The olive tree is one of the most representative trees of Mediterranean culture, so it is not surprising that much can be achieved in these areas.

Among its main characteristics we can mention its robustness, strength and few care and irrigation needs during its life.

This species that can withstand transplanting at any age of its life, can even be planted in gardens, improving its advantages. It is capable of withstanding heat, cold, droughts, frosts and soils poor in vitamins and minerals, favoring that anyone can take care of it.

In this sense, if you find yourself thinking of planting an olive tree, it is best that you have all the information that we provide below on the irrigation of olive trees.

Important points when watering an olive tree

Irrigation frequency: once a week, depending on soil moisture.
Irrigation method: drip or localized hose irrigation.
Optimum time of day for irrigation: any time of day.
Identify excess water: yellow leaves, appearance of fungi.
Identify lack of water: little production.

What irrigation needs does the olive tree have?

This is a tree that needs little watering, making it very easy to keep it healthy without too much effort. However, at the beginning of its life, the olive tree needs water to be placed on a regular basis, since during its development it is more required.

Also, if you have a young olive tree, it is essential to add water regularly, depending on how the soil responds to moisture.

Natural olive tree 38 cm prebonsai in a 16 cm diameter pot delivered in a gift box with a triptych with information and care guide – Outdoor plant – Olea Europaea

Keep in mind that in this case, the soil will be the one that will tell you when to water, you just have to take care that its surface does not dry out too much. An adult can live peacefully in a dry environment with a higher degree of soil drought without presenting problems.

How can we detect lack of irrigation in the olive tree?

The adult olive tree adequately supports the lack of water, so it could stay healthy with almost no water.

Despite this, younger specimens, whether new or advanced, may have problems with this.

To begin with, the soil will be dry and, depending on its type, it will become hard, preventing the roots from developing the way you want.

Therefore, the plant could slow down its growth and become brittle. In very serious cases, the tree may not survive, especially if we are talking about a small sapling.

How often should we water the olive tree?

During its life, the olive tree has different water needs, so its irrigation periods will change over time. At first, with a small olive tree, watering should be frequent, perhaps a couple of times a week, depending on the type of soil.

Then, during its youth, the irrigation is lengthened, being necessary to keep it regular but spaced, achieving a rhythm of irrigation. This can be once every week or every week and a half. It all depends on how you see the environmental and substrate conditions.

Olea Europaea – Olive tree (170 cm high)

On the other hand, as an adult, the olive tree will resist drought well, only needing support irrigation when there is a long time without rain. In addition, it is essential that you do not promote too much moisture in the soil, because it is not necessary or beneficial for the tree.

During the production time you can increase the amount of water a little, since it is beneficial for the tree to bear more fruit. However, it is necessary that you control the quantities, since if you go over what is necessary, it could be counterproductive.

What is the best way to water the olive tree?

Drip irrigation and localized hose irrigation are two of the most widely used methods for watering a tree such as an olive tree. This is because you have different needs depending on what stage of your life you are in.

For a young olive tree, the best way to irrigate is through localized irrigation with a hose. It will provide it with the water it needs, favoring its growth and development, even more so if it will become a production tree.

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On the other hand, if it is an adult olive tree, drip irrigation is very favorable, allowing it to have support irrigation without running risks. Keep in mind that drip irrigation will not promote waterlogging, giving it only a little water at a time.

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Likewise, it is necessary to mention that this support irrigation should be used when there is a drought, that is, in the season of lack of rain.

How do we detect excess water in the olive tree?

Because it is a drought tree, the olive tree usually shows rapid signs of excess water, starting with mild symptoms.The presentation of yellow leaves is one of the first symptoms, so we recommend you stop watering the moment they appear.

Cup Olive Tree Indoor and Outdoor Tree Approximate Height 80-100cm Ornamental Tree Olea Europaea

Similarly, excess moisture will promote a good environment for fungi and diseases that can significantly damage the tree. The olive tree is a highly resistant tree that will do well in hot and cold environments, being ideal for production or decoration.