Olive trees are actually quite undemanding and easy to care for. They are quite happy with a sunny location, not too much water and occasional fertilization. However, olives do not like frost and should therefore be comprehensively protected in winter. But even if there is too much heat during the winter break, the leaves can dry out.
What to do if an olive tree is dry?
If an olive tree appears dry, too much or too little water, incorrect wintering or frost can be the cause. Remove dead branches, leaves and roots and replant the olive in new soil. Water sparingly and place the tree in a bright, warm location.
Causes of dried leaves and branches
If leaves and/or branches dry out on an olive tree, this can have several causes:
- the tree receives too little water
- the tree receives too much water
- the tree was exposed to cold and frost in winter
- the tree was overwintered in a location that was too warm
As a rule, olive trees have dried leaves and branches if they have been overwintered improperly, i.e. H. either outside without protection or in a place that is too warm. Olives need hibernation and feel comfortable in the cold season at a maximum of eight to ten degrees Celsius and sufficient sun. Occasional watering should not be forgotten either.
Olive tree dries up – first aid measures
Don't worry: Even if the tree looks pretty lifeless, it will most likely come back. To do this, however, you first have to check whether there is still life in the branches and twigs. To do this, lightly scratch the bark: If the branch underneath is green, it still has sap in it; If, on the other hand, it is brown, it is dead. At best, you should radically cut off dead branches, as well as dried leaves. Now take the olive out of the pot and check the roots: remove dead roots, leave live ones on the plant. Dip the root ball in a bucket of lukewarm water and then plant the olive in new soil. Place the pot in a bright and warm location - preferably outdoors in spring and summer - and water only sparingly. The fewer leaves the olive has, the less water it needs.
Tips & Tricks
To stimulate new leaves (€9.00 on Amazon) to grow, fill water and liquid fertilizer into a spray bottle (1 teaspoon in half a liter of water) and spray the tree all over with the solution. Please only carry out this measure once.
