Arbequina Olive Tree

Arbequina olive trees are popular for their high-quality olives, drought tolerance, and compact size, making them suitable for  home gardens. Here’s how to plant and care for them:

Planting Arbequina Olive Trees

Choose the Right Location:

• Sunlight: Arbequina olive trees need full sun to thrive, so select a location that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. They can handle some partial shade but may produce fewer olives.
• Space: Mature Arbequina trees can grow up to 15-25 feet tall and wide, so ensure there is enough space for them to grow. If planting multiple trees, follow the spacing recommendations below.

Soil Preparation:

• Well-Draining Soil: Olive trees prefer well-draining, loamy soil. They can tolerate poor or rocky soil, but they do not do well in heavy, waterlogged soil. If your soil has poor drainage, consider planting on a slight mound or using raised beds.
• pH Level: A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (around 6.5-7.5) is ideal. Amend soil with compost if needed to improve texture and fertility.

Planting Process:

• Dig a Generous Hole: Make a hole that is about twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball. This allows the roots to spread out easily.
• Position the Tree: Place the tree in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil. This prevents the trunk from sitting in water, which can cause rot.
• Backfill and Water Thoroughly: Fill the hole with soil, gently pressing down to remove air pockets. Water deeply after planting to help the soil settle around the roots.

Caring for Arbequina Olive Trees

Watering:

• Regular Watering Initially: Water newly planted trees regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist (but not waterlogged) for the first year until they are established. Once the tree is established, it becomes more drought-tolerant.
• Deep Watering During Dry Spells: Mature Arbequina olive trees need less frequent watering but should be watered deeply during extended dry periods, especially when they are flowering and setting fruit.

Fertilizing:

• Annual Feeding: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and fruit production. A fertilizer formulated for fruit trees can be beneficial. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to excessive foliage growth rather than fruit production.
• Organic Matter: Adding compost around the base of the tree in spring can improve soil fertility and structure.

Pruning:

• Shape and Maintenance: Prune olive trees in late winter or early spring to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Regular pruning helps maintain a manageable shape, encourages better air circulation, and improves sunlight penetration, which promotes healthy fruiting.
• Thin Out the Canopy: Thinning the canopy allows more light to reach the interior of the tree, which helps in fruit production. Aim to keep the center of the tree open.

Mulching:

• Moisture Retention: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree to retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and reduce weed competition.
• Avoid Mulch Contact with Trunk: Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent moisture buildup that could lead to rot.

Pest and Disease Management:

• Watch for Pests: Olive trees are generally hardy, but they can occasionally be affected by pests like olive fruit flies, scale, or aphids. Inspect regularly, and use organic insecticidal soap or neem oil if needed.
• Prevent Diseases: Good air circulation, proper spacing, and avoiding overhead watering can help prevent common diseases like root rot and fungal issues. If you notice any signs of disease, prune out affected branches and treat the tree promptly.

Harvesting Arbequina Olives

• When to Harvest: Arbequina olives are usually ready for harvest in late fall to early winter. You can pick them when they turn from green to a purplish-brown color. They can be harvested earlier (green) if you prefer to cure them that way, but the flavor will be less mature.
• Hand-Picking: Gently hand-pick the olives or use small rakes to pull them off the branches. Be careful not to damage the fruit if you plan to use them for oil production or curing.
• Processing: Olives must be processed (cured) before they are edible. If you are making olive oil, you’ll need to press them. If you are curing them, you’ll need to follow a process to remove the natural bitterness.

When planting Arbequina olive trees, proper spacing is essential to ensure healthy growth, good air circulation, and optimal fruit production. Here’s a spacing guide:

General Spacing Recommendations

Traditional Spacing:

• 15 to 20 feet apart: For a more traditional orchard setting, space Arbequina olive trees about 15 to 20 feet apart. This allows each tree enough room to reach its mature size and ensures they have space to spread without overcrowding. It also makes it easier to access the trees for pruning, maintenance, and harvesting.

Spacing Near Structures:

• 10 to 15 feet from buildings or other trees: Ensure trees are planted at least 10 to 15 feet away from buildings, fences, or other large plants. This prevents their root systems from interfering with structures and gives them enough room to spread.

Design Tips for Home Gardens

• Single Specimen Planting: If planting a single Arbequina olive tree as an ornamental feature, make sure to give it enough space (about 15-20 feet) so it can develop its natural, rounded shape.
• Hedges or Screens: For creating hedges or privacy screens, you can plant them closer together (around 5-8 feet apart) to form a denser, fuller appearance.