Content
- The roots of the olive tree are specialized in dry soil
- Olive roots spread extensively
- Each main shoot can be assigned a root
- Maintain olives roots properly
- Tips & Tricks
The roots of the olive tree are specialized in dry soil
In archaeological excavations in the Mediterranean, parts such as fossilized leaves of cultured noble olives have been found, dating back to 5000 years and more. This shows that the olive has been native to the Mediterranean for a very long time. Ergo it is not surprising that the plant has adapted perfectly to the prevailing climatic conditions - this is especially true for the roots of the olive.
Olive roots spread extensively
The roots of the European olive tree are perfectly adapted to dry and barren soils and are thus able to extract even low levels of moisture and nutrients from the soil. The growth of the roots depends on the soil conditions. If the soil is loose, the roots can reach up to a depth of seven meters - to cover the water needs of the groundwater. On more solid - for example, rocky - substrates, however, the roots spread on the surface and branch out strongly. This also applies to pots and tub olives. As a rule, the root system is about as wide as the crown of the tree.
Each main shoot can be assigned a root
Also typical of olives is that each main shoot above the earth can be assigned a specific root, together with the associated root network. Therefore, when pruning the olive you should be careful not to damage or separate any major shoots - this will cause the corresponding roots to die off as well. The resulting rot may ultimately spread to the entire root system as well as the tree as a whole.
Maintain olives roots properly
So that you enjoy your olive tree for a long time, you should pay special attention to the roots of the care. Root-friendly tree care includes the following points:
Tips & Tricks
A good winter protection is the alpha and omega, because olive trees are Mediterranean plants and therefore not used to frost - even if some varieties are described as frost hardy. Make sure that roots, trunk and crown are sufficiently protected in icy winters! Special plant heaters (which look like a fairy lights) can help.