An old Mediterranean proverb suggests that an olive tree is pruned perfectly when a swallow can glide through its branches untouched. Fortunately, today's farmers rely on their expertise, innovative pruning methods, and intuition rather than depending on such serendipitous encounters with birds.
Now that the harsh winter weather and the threat of frost has passed, our farmers have begun pruning their trees and giving them some much-needed TLC. This annual ritual marks the beginning of a new year in the life of the olive tree, and our eyes are on the prize: the best possible yield of extra virgin olive oil.
Pruning olive trees requires both skill and artistry and provides our farmers with a cherished opportunity to reconnect with their trees after the cold winter months. It also serves as a vital chance for farmers to inspect their trees for pests and disease.
Despite the myriad challenges and external environmental factors our farmers confront year-round, pruning remains a hands-on activity for our producers. It allows them to provide the trees with a good foundation for new growth in the upcoming year.
So, what is the purpose of pruning? Pruning serves to invigorate the olive trees by promoting new growth. There are several different reasons why a farmer will prune their tree, whether it’s rejuvenating abandoned trees, shaping their canopy for an easier harvest, or enhancing fruit production. Striking the right balance is important; inadequate pruning results in a low fruit yield, while excessive pruning can harm the health of the tree.
The olive needs sunlight at every stage of its life on the tree, from flowering to harvest. Cutting back excess dense foliage and removing old growth gives the trees the best start come spring when the trees will start to bud. If a tree is not pruned to allow light into the canopy, any olive flowers that remain in the shade may not develop into mature fruit.
Pruning also facilitates ventilation and air circulation in the tree, and this is essential to help prevent fungus and diseases.
Once the pruning is complete, it’s crucial to take preventative measures to protect the trees from potential disease or harm. Like many other fruit trees, our pollinator allies play an essential role in ensuring a successful crop. Once the buds on the olive trees start to blossom, it’s no longer possible to treat the trees as we risk disturbing our foraging friends. If needed, farmers will apply a mist of copper solution, an organic and natural fungicide, to safeguard the trees.
On our groves, the organic waste & branches are chipped and used to add nutrients back into the soil. However, not all producers adopt this practice. Instead, some choose to burn the branches and leaves, which is unfortunately a common practice. Given that a significant portion of the tree is pruned (typically between 30-50%), the scale of such fires across the country can be substantial.