Wondering what an adult olive tree costs? You're certainly not the only one. The price of an adult olive tree can vary considerably. While one tree may cost a few hundred euros, you might pay more than €2,000 for a distinctive old olive tree.
This price difference makes sense. The tree's age, trunk circumference, crown shape, origin, and quality all play an important role. An adult olive tree is not only a beautiful eye-catcher in the garden, but also an investment you can enjoy for decades.
In this article, you'll learn what an adult olive tree costs on average, which factors determine the price, and what to look for when buying an olive tree.
Want to know what to look for before buying a tree? Read our article Buying an olive tree: what to look for.
What does an adult olive tree cost? In short
The price of an adult olive tree depends mainly on its age, trunk circumference, and appearance. On average, you can expect the following price guidelines.
| Type of olive tree | Average price |
|---|---|
| Young olive tree (100–150 cm) | €75–€250 |
| Adult olive tree (150–200 cm) | €250–€700 |
| Large olive tree (200–250 cm) | €700–€1,500 |
| Old olive tree | €1,000–€3,000+ |
Very old, unique specimens can cost even more. After all, every tree is unique in shape, trunk, and character.
Which factors determine the price of an adult olive tree?
The cost of an adult olive tree is determined by several factors, including its age, trunk circumference, origin, and crown quality. Not all olive trees are the same. Two trees of the same height can differ in price by hundreds of euros. This is because different characteristics determine the value of an olive tree.
Age of the olive tree
Age is one of the most important price factors. A tree that has been growing for decades develops a much thicker trunk and gains more character than a young olive tree. Curious about how old olive trees can get? Read how old an olive tree can become and discover why these Mediterranean trees can last for generations.
Old olive trees grow slowly. That is precisely why they are rare and more valuable. Many trees are cared for for decades before they are eventually suitable for sale.
Trunk circumference
For adult olive trees, the trunk often says more than the overall height. A 200-centimetre tree with a trunk circumference of 30 centimetres is not comparable to a tree of the same height with a trunk circumference of 90 centimetres. A thick, gnarled trunk gives the tree an authentic Mediterranean appearance and significantly increases its value.
The shape of the trunk
Every old olive tree has its own character. Some trees have a beautifully twisted trunk, while others have deep grooves or unusual shapes that have developed over decades of growth. This unique appearance is precisely what makes every tree special. The more character the trunk has, the higher the price often is.
Crown quality
The trunk is not the only thing that determines the value of an olive tree. A full, healthy crown with many branches is also important. A well-formed crown immediately gives the tree a mature appearance and shows that it has been well cared for over the years. In high-quality olive trees, the crown is beautifully proportioned to the trunk.
Origin of the olive tree
Most high-quality adult olive trees come from Spain. Thanks to the warm climate, olive trees can live there for decades or even hundreds of years. Many trees have stood in Spanish olive groves for years before finding a new home. As a result, they have the robust appearance that many garden enthusiasts are looking for.
Health of the tree
A healthy olive tree is more than worth its price. Professional growers select trees based on:
- a healthy root system;
- a sturdy trunk;
- a full crown;
- healthy leaves;
- good overall condition.
A tree that has been well cared for over the years will recover more quickly after planting and grow better.
Transport
Adult olive trees are heavy. Large specimens often weigh several hundred kilos. Special trailers, forklifts, or trucks are therefore required for transport. This also affects the final selling price. For larger trees, safe transport is at least as important as the quality of the tree itself.
Why are old olive trees so much more expensive?
The price of an adult olive tree increases considerably when you choose an old specimen. This has everything to do with the tree's age, character, and rarity. Many people wonder why an old olive tree sometimes costs more than a thousand euros.
There are several reasons for this.
First of all, an olive tree grows extremely slowly. It takes decades for a tree to develop a thick trunk and distinctive character.
In addition, every old olive tree is unique. No two trunks have the same shape, structure, or appearance. That is precisely what makes these trees so special.
Uprooting, transporting, and successfully replanting an old olive tree also requires considerable expertise. Only healthy trees with a strong root system are suitable for this. This makes old olive trees both rare and valuable.
Anyone wondering what an adult olive tree costs should take the tree's age, trunk circumference, and quality into account. On average, prices for a mature specimen range between €250 and €900.
What does a large olive tree of 200 to 250 cm cost?
A large olive tree measuring approximately 200 to 250 centimetres costs on average between €700 and €1,500.
In this category, trunk circumference and age play a major role. A tree with a thick, distinctive trunk is considerably more valuable than a young specimen of the same height.
Many people choose this size because the tree immediately gives the garden or patio a mature appearance.
What to look for when buying an adult olive tree?
You don't buy an adult olive tree every year. That is why it is important to look beyond the price alone. A high-quality olive tree will last for decades and often becomes even more beautiful as it gets older.
Therefore, pay attention to the following:
A healthy trunk
The trunk is the calling card of an olive tree. Check that it feels sturdy and does not have major damage or rotten areas. Cracks and gnarled shapes are perfectly normal in old olive trees. That is precisely what gives the tree its character.
A full and healthy crown
Look closely at the crown. A healthy olive tree has beautiful branching and fresh grey-green foliage. A full crown shows that the tree is vigorous and well cared for.
A good root system
A strong root system is essential. The tree must be able to re-establish its roots after planting and develop well. Therefore, always buy an olive tree that has been professionally lifted and cared for.
The origin of the tree
Many high-quality olive trees come from Spain. Thanks to the Mediterranean climate, these trees develop a distinctive trunk and a natural appearance that cannot be replicated in young trees.
A reliable supplier
A good supplier carefully selects its trees based on health, appearance, and quality. You will also receive expert advice on planting, care, and transport.
Read our article Caring for an olive tree: complete guide to water, nutrition, and location so you know exactly how to keep your new olive tree healthy.
Why are there such large price differences?
You may have already seen olive trees online for €150, while another tree costs €1,500. That difference may seem large, but it can be easily explained.
A cheap olive tree is often:
- young;
- thin-trunked;
- grown quickly;
- less distinctive;
- smaller in size.
A more expensive olive tree is usually:
- decades older;
- thick-trunked and gnarled;
- carefully selected;
- professionally lifted;
- an immediate eye-catcher in the garden.
So you are not only paying for the tree's height, but especially for its age, appearance, and quality.
Is a more expensive olive tree worth the investment?
In many cases, yes. A high-quality adult olive tree retains its ornamental value for years. Its distinctive trunk and full crown immediately create a Mediterranean atmosphere in the garden, without having to wait years for a young tree to grow.
Older olive trees are also often stronger than young specimens. They have powerful root systems and, with the right care, can adapt excellently to the Dutch climate.
Although the purchase price is higher, you will enjoy a unique tree for years that will hardly lose any value or appeal.
Curious how quickly an adult olive tree continues to grow? Read How quickly does an olive tree grow? Everything you need to know or find out when an olive tree will grow again.
Common mistakes when buying an adult olive tree
At Olivera Garden, we regularly see the same mistakes.
❌ Looking only at the price.
❌ Not comparing the trunk circumference.
❌ Thinking that height is more important than age.
❌ Buying an olive tree without checking the health of the crown.
❌ Not taking transport and placement into account.
❌ Choosing a tree without advice on the right location.
By avoiding these mistakes, you can make a choice you will enjoy for years.
Practical checklist
Want to buy an adult olive tree? Always check the following points.
✅ Does the height suit your garden or patio?
✅ Is the trunk healthy and distinctive?
✅ Does the tree have a full crown?
✅ Does the tree come from a reliable grower?
✅ Is the tree suitable for the Dutch climate?
✅ Will the tree be delivered and planted safely?
By going through these points, you can avoid surprises and be sure that you are buying a high-quality olive tree.
What does an adult olive tree cost from a specialist?
What does an adult olive tree cost when you buy it from a specialist? The price is often higher than at a garden centre, but in return you get a carefully selected tree with a healthy root ball, distinctive trunk, and full crown.
What you are paying for with an olive tree
When choosing an olive tree, look not only at its height, but especially at the trunk, crown, health, and overall appearance.
Every olive tree is unique. At Olivera Garden, the trees come directly from specialised growers, with the actual height and pot size provided for every tree. This allows you to confidently choose a Mediterranean tree that will remain an eye-catcher in your garden for years.
Whether you are looking for a compact olive tree for the patio or an impressive old specimen as an eye-catcher, we are happy to help you find the right tree.
Conclusion
What does an adult olive tree cost? It depends on several factors, such as the tree's age, trunk circumference, origin, and quality. For a mature specimen, you will pay on average between €250 and €900, while large or old olive trees can cost €1,000, €2,000, or even more.
Although a high-quality olive tree requires a larger investment, you get a unique tree in return that you can enjoy for years. Therefore, do not choose based on price alone, but pay particular attention to the tree's health, appearance, and origin.
Looking for a hardy Olea Europaea that is suitable for the Dutch climate? Browse our olive tree collection or contact Olivera Garden. We are happy to help you with personal advice on the right care and recovery for your olive tree.
Frequently asked questions about the cost of an adult olive tree
How long will an adult olive tree last?
A healthy adult olive tree can live for decades or even hundreds of years. With the right care, an olive tree is a sustainable investment that multiple generations can enjoy.
Is an adult olive tree worth more than a young olive tree?
Yes. An adult olive tree has more ornamental value, a thicker trunk, and a fuller crown. It also takes decades for an olive tree to achieve this appearance. As a result, the value of a mature specimen is considerably higher than that of a young tree.
Will an adult olive tree enhance the appearance of my garden?
Absolutely. An adult olive tree is often an immediate eye-catcher. Thanks to its distinctive trunk and full crown, you can instantly create a Mediterranean atmosphere without having to wait years for a young tree to grow.
Is an adult olive tree suitable for a patio?
Yes, provided you choose a large pot with good drainage. Adult olive trees thrive on a sunny patio or balcony and make a stylish eye-catcher.
When is the best time to buy an adult olive tree?
You can buy an adult olive tree virtually all year round. Spring and autumn are popular times because the temperatures are ideal for helping the tree adapt to its new location.
How can you identify a high-quality adult olive tree?
You can identify a high-quality adult olive tree by its healthy, distinctive trunk, sturdy root ball, full crown, and fresh grey-green foliage. It is also important that the tree comes from a reliable specialist that carefully selects its trees based on health and appearance.
