Are you wondering when an olive tree will start growing again? In most cases, an olive tree (Olea Europaea) will start growing again between late March and May. The exact timing depends on the temperature, the amount of sunlight, the location, and the condition of the tree. After a cold winter or a late spring, it may take a few weeks longer to start growing.
Do you still see no new leaves or shoots after winter? That does not automatically mean the olive tree is dead. Many olive trees simply need more time to emerge from their winter dormancy. In this article, you will read when an olive tree normally starts growing again, how to check if the tree is still alive, and what you can do if no new growth is visible yet.
When will an olive tree start growing again? In short
A healthy olive tree usually starts growing between late March and May. In a mild spring, the first new shoots often appear in March. If spring is cold or wet, growth may not pick up until April or even May.
Most olive trees first form new buds. Then light green shoots and young leaves appear. The speed at which an olive tree starts growing depends, among other things, on:
- the outdoor temperature;
- the amount of sunlight;
- the age of the tree;
- any frost damage;
- the care during winter;
- the location.
| Situation | When will the olive tree start growing? |
|---|---|
| Mild spring | Late March – early April |
| Average Dutch spring | April |
| Cold spring | Late April – May |
| After light frost | Often slightly later |
| After heavy frost | Depending on the damage |
Are you unsure whether your olive tree has made it through the winter well? Then also read our comprehensive article on Preparing an olive tree for winter, in which you will read how to prevent frost damage and protect the tree optimally.
When will an olive tree start growing again in the Netherlands and Belgium?
An olive tree enters winter dormancy as soon as temperatures drop. During this dormant period, the tree barely grows and temporarily stops forming new leaves and shoots.
As soon as the days get longer and the temperature rises, the sap flow starts again. The tree uses its stored energy to develop new buds, leaves, and shoots. For olive trees in the Netherlands and Belgium, this usually happens between late March and May.
When spring starts exceptionally warm, an olive tree may show new growth early. On the other hand, if it remains cold for a long time, the start of growth may be delayed by several weeks. Patience is therefore important. Many olive trees still seem completely dormant in March, while they suddenly develop plenty of new shoots in April.
The growth rate varies per tree and depends on several factors. Curious about how much an olive tree grows annually? Then also read our article How fast does an olive tree grow?
Why does one olive tree start growing earlier than another?
Not every olive tree starts growing at the same time. This has several causes.
The influence of temperature
Temperature is the most important factor. An olive tree reacts strongly to rising temperatures. The faster spring warms up, the earlier the tree becomes active again. After a cold spring, it can easily take a few weeks longer than usual for growth to start.
The amount of sunlight at the location
Sunlight also plays a major role. An olive tree in a sunny, sheltered spot warms up faster than a tree that gets a lot of shade. As a result, a tree in the south will often start growing earlier than a tree on a cool terrace or in a shady spot.
A good location is one of the most important conditions for healthy growth. In our comprehensive article Can an olive tree grow in garden soil?, you will read which soil is most suitable and what to pay attention to when planting.
The age of the tree
Young olive trees often react faster to spring. Older olive trees usually need a little more time before the first new shoots appear. This is completely normal and does not need to be a cause for concern.
Location
An olive tree in the ground often starts growing slightly earlier than a tree in a small pot. The roots have more space in the ground and benefit from a more stable temperature. For potted plants, the root ball cools down faster, which can sometimes cause growth to pick up slightly later.
How can you tell that an olive tree is starting to grow again?
When an olive tree starts growing again, it usually happens gradually. You often see small changes before the first leaves appear.
Look out for these signs:
- small green buds on the branches;
- light green new shoots;
- fresh young leaves;
- shiny new foliage;
- growth at the ends of the branches.
On a healthy tree, you will see most of the new growth on the outside of the crown. Do you have a mature specimen or are you looking for a tree with character and a full crown? Then also check out our selection of olive trees.
How can you check if an olive tree is still alive?
Does your olive tree still have no new leaves in May? Then check first if the tree is still alive before drawing conclusions.
Perform the scratch test
The easiest way is the so-called scratch test. Carefully scratch away a small piece of the bark with your fingernail or a clean knife. Do you see a green layer underneath? Then the branch is still alive. Is the layer completely brown and dry? Then that part has probably died. Check several branches before deciding to prune.
Check the branches
Gently bend a thin branch. A living branch feels flexible. A dead branch often breaks off easily and feels dry.
Look at the trunk
Even when a few branches have died, the trunk can still be completely healthy. On many olive trees, new shoots appear from the trunk or the thicker branches after a cold winter. Therefore, give the tree enough time before writing it off.
Look for new buds
Sometimes an olive tree seems to do nothing for weeks. However, the first growth points often appear before leaves become visible. Therefore, regularly check if small buds appear. This is usually the first sign that the tree is becoming active again.
When will an olive tree start growing again after frost?
Even when leaves have frozen or small branches have died, a healthy olive tree can often recover surprisingly well.
The roots and the trunk contain many reserves with which the tree can start growing again in spring. Especially older olive trees often prove to be more resilient than many people think.
Has your olive tree suffered frost damage? Then also read our article Why does an olive tree lose its leaves? There you will read how to distinguish between normal leaf fall and damage caused by cold.
My olive tree is not growing. What should I do?
Is your olive tree still not growing in April or May? Then it is important not to panic immediately. Especially after a cold winter or a wet spring, an olive tree can pick up later than you might expect.
First check if the tree is still alive by performing the scratch test and gently bending the branches. Do you still see green bark or small buds? Then there is a good chance that the tree will still recover in the coming weeks.
Do not water the olive tree too much during this period. Because the tree is still barely growing actively, it uses little moisture. A constantly wet soil can actually damage the roots and slow down recovery. Good care helps an olive tree recover faster after winter. Also read our comprehensive article How much water does an olive tree need? so that you prevent watering too much or too little.
Are you unsure about the care? Then also read our comprehensive article Caring for an olive tree, in which you will read everything about watering, fertilizing, and the right location.
When should you worry?
An olive tree sometimes needs a surprisingly long time to start growing again. However, there are situations in which extra checking is wise. Pay particular attention to the following signs:
- still no single bud visible at the end of May;
- all branches are dry and break off easily;
- the bark is completely brown under the scratch test;
- the trunk feels soft or rotten;
- no new shoots appear from the trunk either.
Have only the outermost branches died? Then the tree can often still recover from the older wood or the trunk.
Therefore, never throw away an olive tree too quickly. Especially older olive trees can recover surprisingly well after a harsh winter.
Can an olive tree without leaves start growing again?
Yes. An olive tree can lose almost all its leaves in winter or after frost and still start growing again. This is because the tree stores a lot of energy in the trunk and the roots. As soon as the temperature rises, it uses these reserves to form new shoots and leaves. Leaf loss does not therefore automatically mean the tree is dead.
Common mistakes
At Olivera Garden, we see the same mistakes every spring.
❌ Throwing away the olive tree too early.
❌ Thinking the tree is dead already in February or March.
❌ Watering too much because no leaves are visible.
❌ Pruning heavily immediately after winter.
❌ Fertilizing heavily right away while the tree is still dormant.
❌ Leaving the tree in a dark or cold spot.
With a little patience, many olive trees recover on their own as soon as temperatures rise.
Practical checklist
Are you unsure when your olive tree will start growing again? Then check the points below.
✅ Perform the scratch test.
✅ Check if the branches are still flexible.
✅ Look if small buds are forming.
✅ Place the tree in a sunny location.
✅ Only water when the soil starts to dry out.
✅ Only prune when it is clearly visible which branches have died.
✅ Give the tree enough time to recover.
When you follow these steps, you prevent unnecessarily writing off a healthy olive tree.
When will an olive tree start growing again after winter?
At Olivera Garden, we get questions every spring from customers who think their olive tree did not survive the winter. In practice, it often turns out that the tree simply starts growing later than expected. Especially after a cold or wet winter, we regularly see that older olive trees only form new shoots in April or even May. As long as the trunk and the roots are healthy, an olive tree has a great ability to recover.
Every olive tree has its own growth rate. Therefore, always check the condition of the trunk and the branches first before deciding to prune or replace the tree.
Patience is often rewarded. Many olive trees that still look bare in early spring will develop a healthy, full crown a few weeks later.
Conclusion
When will an olive tree start growing again? In most cases, this happens between late March and May, depending on the weather and the location. Is your olive tree starting to grow later than expected? Then that does not directly mean the tree is dead. First check if the trunk and the branches are still alive and give the tree enough time to emerge from its winter dormancy.
With a sunny location, well-draining soil, and the right care, many olive trees recover excellently after winter and form healthy leaves and shoots again.
Are you looking for a strong Olea Europaea that is suitable for the Dutch climate? Then check out our olive tree selection or contact Olivera Garden. We are happy to help you with personal advice on the right care and the recovery of your olive tree.
Frequently asked questions about an olive tree starting to grow
Is it normal that an olive tree only starts growing in May?
Yes, that can be completely normal. After a cold or wet spring, an olive tree sometimes only starts growing at the end of April or even in May. As long as the trunk and the branches are still alive, there is often no reason for concern. Give the tree enough time before drawing conclusions.
Does an olive tree need a lot of sun to start growing?
Yes. An olive tree starts growing faster when it is in a sunny and sheltered spot. Sunlight and higher temperatures stimulate the sap flow, allowing the tree to form new buds and shoots earlier. On a shady location, it may take longer to start growing.
Should I fertilize my olive tree before it starts growing?
It is wise to only fertilize when the first signs of new growth are visible. During winter dormancy, an olive tree uses hardly any nutrients. As soon as the first shoots appear, you can start with a suitable fertilizer for Mediterranean plants.
Does an olive tree need water if it has not yet started growing?
Yes, but in moderation. Keep the soil slightly moist and prevent the roots from staying wet for long periods. An olive tree that is still in winter dormancy uses little water. Watering too much can actually cause root problems.
Can an olive tree start growing later every year?
Yes, that is possible. The time when an olive tree starts growing varies every year and depends on the weather conditions. A cold spring often causes growth to pick up later than after a mild winter with many sunny days.
What is the first sign that an olive tree is becoming active again?
The first sign is usually the formation of small green buds on the branches. Then new light green shoots and young leaves appear. On some olive trees, new shoots first appear on the trunk or the thicker branches before the rest of the crown starts growing.
