Pruning an olive tree is important to keep the tree healthy, strong and beautifully shaped. By pruning regularly, you stimulate new growth, improve light penetration in the crown and prevent the tree from becoming too dense or too large. Learn when to prune an olive tree, how to do it step by step and which mistakes are best avoided. With the right pruning, your olive tree will remain healthy, compact and beautifully shaped.
Many people find it daunting to prune an olive tree, especially when it is an older or valuable tree. Fortunately, an olive tree is strong and tolerates pruning well. With the right approach, the tree will remain healthy for years and retain its characteristic Mediterranean appearance.
Are you looking for a healthy and high-quality olive tree? Then take a look at our olive tree collection for various types and sizes for gardens and terraces.
Olive tree pruning in brief
Do you want to prune an olive tree? Then follow these basic rules:
✅ Preferably prune between March and May
✅ Remove dead, damaged and crossing branches
✅ Keep the crown open and airy
✅ Use sharp and clean tools
✅ It is better to prune lightly every year than heavily once in a while
✅ Do not prune during frost or extreme heat
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| When to prune an olive tree? | Preferably between March and May. |
| How often to prune? | Once a year is usually sufficient. |
| Can you prune an olive tree heavily? | Yes, but do so with care and only when necessary. |
| Can you prune in summer? | Only for minor shape corrections or the removal of dead branches. |
| Can you prune in winter? | It is better not to, especially when frost is expected. |
| Which branches should you remove? | Dead, damaged, crossing and inward-growing branches. |
Why pruning an olive tree is important
In nature, olive trees grow into large trees with a wide crown. Olive trees in the Netherlands and Belgium are usually grown as ornamental trees for gardens, terraces or balconies. For this reason, regular pruning is important.
A well-pruned olive tree has:
- A beautiful compact shape
- More light in the crown
- Better air circulation
- Less chance of fungi
- Stronger new shoots
- A healthier appearance
In addition, pruning ensures that the tree distributes its energy better over healthy branches and leaves. Do you want to know more about watering, feeding and the right location? Then also read our page about the care and maintenance of olive trees.
When can you prune an olive tree?
The best period to prune an olive tree is between March and May. During this period, the tree slowly emerges from its winter dormancy and can recover quickly from pruning wounds. New shoots then develop during the growing season.
Best pruning period
| Period | Suitable for pruning |
|---|---|
| January | No |
| February | No |
| March | Yes |
| April | Yes |
| May | Yes |
| June | Light maintenance |
| July | Light maintenance |
| August | Light maintenance |
| September | No |
| October | No |
| November | No |
| December | No |
Pruning an olive tree in spring
Spring pruning is the most important pruning session of the year.
During this pruning, you remove:
- Dead branches
- Damaged branches
- Inward-growing branches
- Crossing branches
- Water sprouts
- Overly long shoots
Try to keep the crown open so that light and air can reach everywhere.
An open crown ensures a healthier tree and stimulates even growth. Pruning is just one part of a healthy olive tree. On our page Care & Maintenance you can read everything about caring for an olive tree.
What are water sprouts?
Water sprouts are fast-growing upright shoots that often develop after heavy pruning.
They usually grow:
- On thick branches
- On the trunk
- From old pruning wounds
Water sprouts use a lot of energy but contribute little to the shape of the tree. Therefore, they are usually removed.
How do you prune an olive tree step by step?
Step 1: Check the tree
First, look at the entire crown.
Look for:
- Dead branches
- Damage
- Rubbing branches
- Branches growing inwards
Step 2: Remove dead branches
Always start by removing dead and damaged branches.
You can often recognize them by:
- Dry wood
- No leaves
- Dark discoloration
Step 3: Make the crown airy
Then remove branches that cross or rub against each other.
This creates more space for light and air.
Step 4: Restore the shape
Cut back long shoots so that the tree retains its natural shape.
Do not prune too much at once.
Do you have a multi-stemmed olive tree? Prune each stem separately and ensure that the natural shape is preserved. This keeps the crown beautifully balanced.
Step 5: Remove water sprouts
Cut water sprouts off completely so that the tree can focus its energy on healthy growth.
Do you have a large olive tree or old olive tree? Then careful pruning is extra important. Looking for a new tree? Then take a look at our olive tree collection.
Are you curious about what such a tree is actually worth? Then also read our article How much does an adult olive tree cost? in which we explain which factors determine the price and why old olive trees are often considerably more expensive.
Pruning an olive tree in a pot
An olive tree in a pot usually grows slightly more compactly than a tree in the ground.
Nevertheless, regular pruning is important because:
- The crown grows denser more quickly
- The root space is more limited
- The tree often has a decorative function
Combine pruning with good care, sufficient nutrition and a spacious pot for an olive tree with good drainage.
A bonsai olive tree also needs regular maintenance. For these compact trees, pruning is mainly about maintaining the characteristic shape and fine branching.
Does pruning differ per type of olive tree?
Although the basis of pruning remains the same, there are differences between a bonsai olive tree, a multi-stemmed olive tree, a large olive tree and an XXL olive tree. For compact bonsai, it is mainly about maintaining the shape, while with large and old specimens, you mainly want to preserve the natural crown structure.
Although every type requires a slightly different approach, it applies to all olive trees that regular and careful pruning contributes to healthy growth and a beautiful crown.
Pruning an old olive tree
At Olivera Garden, we regularly see older olive trees that have not been pruned for years. In most cases, these trees recover excellently when the pruning is carried out gradually over several years.
If an olive tree has not been pruned for years, the following has developed:
- A dense crown
- Many old branches
- Less light penetration
For an old olive tree, it is wise to spread the pruning over several years.
Do not remove more than approximately one-third of the crown per year. This prevents the tree from experiencing too much stress.
Especially for an XXL olive tree, it is important not to prune away too much at once. By gradually thinning out the crown, the tree remains healthy and retains its characteristic appearance.
Pruning an olive tree after frost damage
After a severe winter, some branches can become damaged. Also read our guide on preparing an olive tree for winter to prevent frost damage as much as possible. In that case, wait until spring before you start pruning. Then you can clearly see which parts:
- Are still alive
- Are forming new shoots
- Are permanently dead
Only remove the damaged wood and leave healthy parts intact as much as possible.
Common mistakes when pruning an olive tree
❌ Pruning too much at once: An olive tree can tolerate a lot, but extremely heavy pruning often causes an explosion of water sprouts and stress for the tree.
❌ Pruning during frost: Never prune when it is freezing. The pruning wounds can then freeze and recover much less well.
❌ Pruning too late in the season: Late pruning in autumn stimulates new, young shoots that then immediately freeze during the first winter cold.
❌ Using dirty pruning shears: Dull or dirty tools cause ragged wounds and spread bacteria and fungi. Always use clean and sharp tools.
Care after pruning
After pruning, an olive tree needs little extra attention.
However, it is wise to:
- Check the watering
- Maintain good drainage
- Provide Mediterranean nutrition during the growing season
- Regularly check new shoots
This way, the tree recovers quickly and develops a beautiful compact crown. Do you want to optimally protect your olive tree during cold periods? Then also read our page about winter protection for olive trees with practical tips against frost damage.
Good to know about pruning olive trees
Many people doubt whether they dare to prune their olive tree, especially with an older or large tree. A healthy olive tree usually tolerates pruning excellently, provided you prune at the right time and do not remove too much at once.
Light annual pruning usually gives a better result than heavy pruning once in a while. This keeps the crown beautifully open, gives the tree enough light and air and retains its natural Mediterranean appearance.
Whether it is a compact bonsai olive tree, a multi-stemmed olive tree or a large XXL olive tree, every tree requires a slightly different approach. That is why we always advise to take the natural growth form as a starting point and only remove the branches that disrupt the health or shape of the tree.
Conclusion: pruning an olive tree
Pruning an olive tree is not difficult when you choose the right time. The best period is between March and May. By pruning lightly every year, the tree remains healthy, airy and beautifully shaped.
Remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, keep the crown open and always use clean tools. This way, you will enjoy a strong and healthy olive tree for years to come.
Are you looking for a healthy olive tree for a garden or terrace? Then take a look at our olive tree collection or contact Olivera Garden.
Frequently asked questions about pruning an olive tree
When is the best time to prune an olive tree?
The best period to prune an olive tree is between March and May. During this period, the tree emerges from its winter dormancy and can recover quickly from the pruning. Avoid pruning during frost or in late autumn, as this increases the chance of damage.
How often should I prune an olive tree?
For most olive trees, one light pruning session per year is sufficient. By pruning annually, the tree retains a beautiful shape and you prevent the crown from becoming too dense. Regular maintenance is better than carrying out a heavy pruning once every few years.
Which branches should I remove when pruning?
Remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, as well as water sprouts and shoots that grow inwards. The goal is to keep the crown open and airy, so that sunlight and air can reach all parts of the tree.
Can I prune an old olive tree heavily?
Yes, an old olive tree can usually tolerate heavy pruning well. However, it is wise to spread major pruning work over several years. This prevents the tree from experiencing too much stress and gives it enough time to recover.
What are water sprouts and should I remove them?
Water sprouts are fast-growing upright shoots that often develop after a pruning session. These shoots use a lot of energy and often disrupt the shape of the tree. Therefore, water sprouts are usually completely removed during pruning.
What should I do after pruning an olive tree?
After pruning, an olive tree needs little extra care. However, regularly check the watering, ensure good drainage and provide suitable Mediterranean plant food during the growing season. In addition, protect the tree during severe frost with the right winter protection.
