How to Water Olive Trees

Olive trees are evergreen trees or shrubs that produce olives and olive oil. In caring for an olive plant, water is the most important ingredient. Correct watering practices encourage plant growth more than fertilizer. Knowing the right way to water a tree from its initial planting is essential to the tree's health. With a little knowledge on the olive tree's needs, you can grow a strong and productive plant.

Things You'll Need

• Hose
• 2 drip emitters

Instructions

1. Buy drip irrigation emitters, which are essential for watering an olive tree plant. They focus the water flow around the roots instead of spreading it over an entire area. This saves water and shortens the duration of watering.

2. Attach a drip emitter to your hose. If you plant the olive tree in the spring, place the emitter next to the tree trunk. Turn it on every day for an hour throughout the spring and into the summer. If the soil becomes even slightly dry, irrigate.

3. Irrigate daily until the plant is established and you notice new growth. You then can gradually decrease the frequency and length of watering. If the plant looks like it needs a boost, increase the watering frequency again. Stop watering in the late fall or early winter when the tree becomes dormant.

4. Add another emitter the next spring, and position them two feet from the trunk on opposite sides. Water throughout the summer dry. In the following years, water only during long drought periods.

References

• University of California: Planting Oolive Trees
• Clemson Cooperative Extension: Drip Irrigation

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish