Buying an olive tree seems simple, but there are major differences in quality, health, and growth. A high-quality olive tree can last for decades and often only gets more beautiful as it ages. Buying an olive tree is more than just buying a Mediterranean eye-catcher for your garden or patio. Those who only look at the price sometimes end up facing surprises.
At Olivera Garden, we regularly receive questions from customers who previously bought an olive tree that did not meet their expectations in hindsight. Yellow leaves, poor growth, a pot that is too small, or insufficient winter hardiness are common problems that could often have been avoided at the time of purchase.
In this complete guide, we explain what to look for when buying an olive tree. This way, you will know exactly how to choose a healthy, strong, and sustainable tree that you will enjoy for years to come.
What to look for when buying an olive tree? In short
Always check the following points before buying an olive tree:
✅ Healthy leaves without major discoloration
✅ A sturdy trunk without damage
✅ A healthy root system
✅ The right size for your garden or patio
✅ Good drainage and suitable potting soil
✅ Winter hardiness and location
✅ A reliable supplier with knowledge of Mediterranean trees
Why the quality of an olive tree is important
Not every olive tree is the same. Two trees of the same height can differ greatly in age, growth, and quality.
An old olive tree often has a strong root system, a healthy trunk structure, and good branching. This allows the tree to grow better and gives it greater resistance to drought, frost, and other weather conditions.
A cheap tree may look great at first glance, while the roots are insufficiently developed. This later leads to problems such as poor growth, leaf loss, or reduced resistance.
You usually buy an olive tree for the long term. That is why it pays to look beyond just the purchase price. In our article about the cost of a mature olive tree, you will also find out everything about what a mature olive tree costs.
How to buy a healthy olive tree
A healthy olive tree shows in several ways that it is in good condition.
Check the leaves
The leaves are often the first to show signs of the tree's health.
Look for:
- A beautiful grey-green leaf color
- Firm leaves
- New growth at the ends of branches
- No large amounts of yellow leaves
- No black spots or mold formation
A few yellow leaves are usually not a problem. Olive trees regularly renew their older leaves.
Examine the trunk carefully when buying an olive tree
The trunk largely determines the appearance of the tree
A healthy trunk has:
- A sturdy structure
- No soft spots
- No deep cracks
- No damage from transport
- A natural appearance
In older and large olive trees, you will often see characteristic twists and irregular shapes. This makes every tree unique.
Check the roots
Although you cannot always inspect the entire root system, you can often find clues.
Look for:
- No musty or rotting smell
- No wet, soggy potting soil
- No black roots
- A well-rooted root ball
A strong root system forms the foundation for a healthy tree.
Which size olive tree is right for your situation?
A common mistake is choosing a tree that does not fit the available space.
| Situation | Recommended height |
|---|---|
| Balcony | 80 – 120 cm |
| Small patio | 100 – 150 cm |
| Medium-sized patio | 150 – 200 cm |
| Garden | 200 – 300 cm |
| Large eye-catcher | 300 cm+ |
A larger tree immediately gives a mature appearance, but often also requires a larger pot and more attention during transport and placement.
For a balcony or smaller patio, a more compact olive tree is often a better choice.
Choose between a young or old olive tree
When buying an olive tree, you will encounter different ages.
Young olive trees
Advantages:
- Lower purchase price
- Fast growth
- Easy to move
Disadvantages:
- Less character
- No thick trunk yet
Old olive trees
Advantages:
- Unique appearance
- Irregular trunk shapes
- Instant Mediterranean atmosphere
Disadvantages:
- Higher purchase price
- Heavier transport
You mainly choose an older tree for its appearance, which instantly creates an atmosphere in the garden or patio.
Think about the location of the olive tree
Before buying an olive tree, it is wise to think about where the tree will be placed.
Olive trees like:
- Plenty of sunlight
- Shelter from strong winds
- Good drainage
- Space around the crown
The more sun an olive tree gets, the better it grows. A location in the south or southwest is often ideal.
Buy an olive tree in a pot or plant it in the ground?
Many people hesitate between an olive tree in a pot and an olive tree in the ground.
| Olive tree in a pot | Olive tree in the ground |
|---|---|
| Flexible to move | Permanent location |
| Easy to protect in winter | Stronger growth in the long term |
| More control over watering | Soil that dries out less quickly |
| Suitable for a patio | Suitable for larger gardens |
Both options can work excellently, provided the tree gets enough sunlight and drainage.
Why a good pot is just as important
Many problems arise not from the olive tree itself, but from the wrong pot. A good outdoor pot ensures that excess water is properly drained and gives the roots enough space to grow.
Therefore, pay attention to:
- Drainage holes at the bottom of the pot
- Sufficient volume
- Frost-resistant material
- A stable base
A pot that is too small often causes root problems, nutrient deficiency, and reduced growth.
Pay attention to winter hardiness
Olive trees are quite strong, but young trees and trees in pots are more sensitive to frost.
Therefore, check beforehand:
- The location where the tree will be placed
- How much shelter is available
- Whether winter protection may be needed
In the Netherlands, many winter-hardy olive trees can stand outside just fine, provided they are well cared for and extreme frost periods are addressed in time.
Why buy an olive tree online?
More and more people choose to buy an olive tree online. This offers several advantages, provided you choose a specialist in Mediterranean trees.
At Olivera Garden, the olive trees come directly from specialized nurseries, with the actual height and pot size provided for each tree. Are you unsure about the right location, pot, drainage, or care? Feel free to email us, and we will help you think it through.
A reliable supplier also provides clear information about the dimensions, the age of the tree, and the care after delivery. This makes it less likely that you will face surprises and allows you to enjoy a healthy Mediterranean tree for years.
Olivera Garden delivers olive trees throughout the Netherlands and Belgium. Want to know more about delivery, the climate, and the different options in your region? Then also check out our pages Olive Trees in the Netherlands and Olive Trees in Belgium.
Which olive tree is best suited to your garden or patio?
Are you unsure which olive tree best suits your situation? The right choice depends on the available space, the desired appearance, and the location where the tree will be placed.
| Situation | Recommended olive tree |
|---|---|
| Balcony | Compact olive tree of 80–120 cm |
| Small patio | Olive tree of 120–150 cm |
| Large patio | Multi-stemmed olive tree of 150–200 cm |
| Garden | Large olive tree of 200–300 cm |
| Luxury eye-catcher | Old olive tree with a characteristic trunk |
| Hospitality or business | XXL olive tree for maximum impact |
How long does a high-quality olive tree last?
An olive tree is not a plant that you replace after a few years. With the right care, a high-quality olive tree can live for decades or even hundreds of years. That is precisely why it is wise not only to look at the price when purchasing, but especially at the quality of the tree.
A healthy olive tree with a strong root system, a sturdy trunk, and a good growth form develops further every year. The trunk gains more character, the crown becomes fuller, and the tree often only gets more beautiful as it ages.
Therefore, choose an olive tree that not only fits the current situation, but also the future. In many cases, a slightly larger or older olive tree can remain a valuable eye-catcher in the garden or on the patio for years.
Look at the overall situation
Whether an olive tree becomes a success often depends less on the tree itself than on the choices made around it.
Common mistakes are:
- Choosing a pot that is too small
- Using the wrong potting soil
- Paying too little attention to drainage
- Choosing a tree that is too small for the available space
- Insufficient preparation for winter
Therefore, do not only look at the height of the tree, but especially at the overall situation in which the tree will end up. Are you unsure which olive tree best suits your garden or patio? Then feel free to contact us for personal advice.
A healthy olive tree with the right pot, good drainage, and enough sunlight will bring enjoyment for years.
Common mistakes when buying an olive tree
❌ Only looking at the price: The cheapest tree does not always turn out to be the most affordable choice in the long term.
❌ Paying no attention to drainage: Wet roots cause many problems.
❌ Choosing a pot that is too small: This causes the tree to become exhausted more quickly.
❌ Not taking the final size into account: An olive tree can continue to grow for years.
❌ Insufficiently planning winter protection: Especially young trees sometimes need extra protection.
View the olive tree collection at Olivera Garden
At Olivera Garden, we believe that an olive tree is an investment that you want to enjoy for years. That is why our olive trees come directly from specialized nurseries, with the actual height and pot size provided for each tree.
When you buy an olive tree at Olivera Garden, you benefit from:
- Plants directly from specialized nurseries
- Personal advice about location, pot, and care
- Healthy trees with a well-developed root system
- Delivery in the Netherlands and Belgium
- Honest information about size, location, and care
- After-sales support with comprehensive care information
Our goal is not only to deliver a beautiful olive tree, but especially to ensure that you enjoy it for years to come.
Conclusion: buy a good olive tree with care
You often buy an olive tree for many years. That is why it is important to look beyond just the price or the height of the tree. Always check the health of the leaves, trunk, and roots. In addition, think carefully about the location, the pot, drainage, and winter protection.
With the right care, a high-quality olive tree remains a beautiful eye-catcher in the garden, patio, or patio for years.
Those who make the right choices beforehand avoid many problems and enjoy a healthy Mediterranean tree for longer.
Want to buy an olive tree?
At Olivera Garden, you will find olive trees in different shapes and sizes. Whether you are looking for an old olive tree for a balcony, a characterful multi-stemmed olive tree, or an impressive large olive tree as an eye-catcher in the garden, there is always a suitable choice.
Also view our collection of olive trees and discover which tree best suits your garden, patio, or patio.
Everything about olive trees: our guides
Want to know more before or after buying an olive tree? In these guides, you will find out everything about the right pot, care, winter, and recognizing problems. You can find our entire range in the olive trees.
Buying and choosing
- What does a mature olive tree cost? Everything you need to know about the price
- How old can an olive tree become?
- How fast does an olive tree grow? Everything you need to know
Olive tree in a pot or in the ground
- Olive tree in a pot: everything about pot size, drainage, and care
- Which pot for an olive tree? Complete guide to size, material, and drainage
- How big should an olive tree pot be? Read everything about the right pot size
- Terracotta or plastic pot for an olive tree? These are the differences
- When to repot an olive tree? The complete guide for healthy growth
- Can an olive tree be planted in garden soil? This is what you need to know
Care
- Caring for an olive tree: complete guide for water, nutrients, and location
- How much water does an olive tree need?
- Pruning an olive tree: when and how do you prune an olive tree?
- When does an olive tree flower again?
Winter and frost
- Preparing an olive tree for winter: how to protect it against frost
- How winter-hard is an olive tree?
- Can an olive tree withstand frost?
Recognizing and solving problems
- Yellow leaves on an olive tree? These are the 7 most common causes
- Brown, curled, or black leaves on an olive tree? Complete explanation & solutions
- Why does an olive tree lose leaves?
- White mold on an olive tree: causes, identification and control
Frequently asked questions about buying an olive tree
How can I recognize a healthy olive tree?
A healthy olive tree has firm grey-green leaves, a strong trunk and a well-developed root system. Look out for discolored leaves, damage to the trunk and potting soil that remains wet for extended periods. A healthy tree will usually also show new growth during the growing season.
What size olive tree is best to buy?
That depends on the available space and the desired effect. For a balcony or small terrace, an olive tree of 80 to 150 cm is often sufficient. If you want an immediate Mediterranean eye-catcher in the garden, larger specimens of 200 cm or taller are often a better choice.
Can an olive tree stay outside all year round?
Yes, many olive trees can easily stay outside in the Netherlands. During prolonged or severe frost, however, it is advisable to give the tree extra protection. Young olive trees and trees in pots are particularly sensitive to winter conditions.
Is an old olive tree better than a young olive tree?
Not always. An old olive tree often has more character, a gnarled trunk and an immediate Mediterranean appearance. A young olive tree, on the other hand, grows faster, is easier to move and is often more affordable. Which choice is best depends on your wishes and budget.
Where is the best place to put an olive tree?
An olive tree grows best in a sunny spot with well-draining soil. The more direct sunlight the tree receives, the better its growth and health. A south or southwest location is often ideal.
How much does a good olive tree cost?
The price of an olive tree depends on its age, height, trunk thickness and appearance. Young trees are often available for just a few dozen euros, while large or old olive trees with a characteristic trunk can cost considerably more. It is wise not only to look at the price, but especially at the quality and health of the tree.
