Expert olive tree summer care

Sun, Jun 22 2025

/

Home

Business News

Computer and Electronics

Finance Insights

Health

Home and Garden

Law and Government

Science and Technology

Online Communities

Beauty and Fitness

Internet and Telecom

Cryptocurrency

Expert olive tree summer care

Homebase shares top tips: use large pots with drainage, full sun exposure, moderate watering, and early summer pruning. Plus general June tasks like deadheading and slug control

Sultan Sikander

June 16, 2025

5Min Reads

Home and Garden

🌿 Introduction: The Summer Challenge for Olive Trees

As temperatures climb and summer gardens reach their peak, many home gardeners turn their attention to the care of one of the most stylish and versatile plants available today — the olive tree. Known for its Mediterranean charm, silvery-green leaves, and sculptural appeal, the olive tree is increasingly being adopted into UK gardens, patios, and even balconies. However, while hardy and drought-resistant by nature, olive trees still need thoughtful attention during the summer months to ensure they remain healthy, vibrant, and potentially even fruitful.

This guide, based on expert insights and practical gardening wisdom, outlines the essential steps to caring for olive trees during summer, from container setup and watering to pruning and placement.

🪴 Olive Trees: Beauty With Purpose

Olive trees are not only ornamental but deeply symbolic — representing peace, prosperity, and endurance. Their ability to withstand heat and drought makes them especially well-suited for the increasingly dry UK summers. But despite their rugged heritage, these trees do have specific summer care needs, especially when potted or newly planted.

Many UK retailers, including gardening centers like Homebase, are reporting a surge in demand for olive trees, especially compact container-sized varieties perfect for urban living. As such, garden advisors are keen to educate buyers on how to care for their trees during the warmest and most critical months of the year.

📦 Step 1: Choosing the Right Container

If you're growing your olive tree in a pot — which most UK gardeners are — selecting the correct container is vital. It must be:

Large enough to accommodate root growth.

Made of a material that won’t overheat (terracotta and clay are great choices).

Equipped with proper drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

Without good drainage, roots can rot, especially during summer downpours followed by intense heat. Place a layer of gravel or broken pottery at the bottom of the pot to enhance drainage further.

☀️ Step 2: Placement – Full Sun is Key

The olive tree is native to the sun-drenched regions of the Mediterranean, so it should come as no surprise that full sun exposure is essential. Experts recommend placing olive trees in the sunniest corner of your garden or balcony, where they can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.

Avoid shaded spots or areas that remain damp or humid. Olive trees thrive in dry, open environments. For indoor olive trees, place them near large south-facing windows or under grow lights if natural sunlight is limited.

💧 Step 3: Watering Strategy – Balance is Crucial

Watering can be tricky — too little, and the tree will dry out; too much, and roots can rot. Here's how to strike the balance:

Check the top 2 inches of soil. If it’s dry, it’s time to water.

Use room-temperature water and apply it slowly so it penetrates deeply.

Allow excess water to drain fully from the bottom of the pot.

During heatwaves, daily checks may be necessary, especially for potted trees.

One of the best pieces of advice: never let the tree sit in water. Empty saucers or trays under pots after watering to avoid stagnant water pooling around roots.

✂️ Step 4: Summer Pruning – Shape and Strengthen

Pruning is essential during early summer to shape the tree, encourage airflow, and promote healthy new growth. According to gardening experts:

Prune in late May to early June, just before the hottest months kick in.

Focus on removing dead, diseased, or crossing branches.

Maintain a balanced open-center structure that allows sunlight and air to reach inner branches.

Avoid heavy pruning during heatwaves — this can stress the tree unnecessarily.

Pruning also reduces the risk of fungal diseases, which can develop if branches stay too dense and moist. Keep pruning tools clean to avoid the spread of infections between plants.

🌿 Feeding & Fertilizing: Fuel for the Growing Season

To support healthy summer growth, especially if you want olives to form, your tree will benefit from regular feeding. Choose a balanced, slow-release fertilizer rich in potassium and magnesium, applied every 2–4 weeks.

Homemade compost can also be added to the surface of potted trees, and liquid seaweed feed is an excellent organic boost.

🐛 Pest Management: Know What to Watch For

While olive trees are generally pest-resistant, there are a few threats to be aware of during summer:

Scale insects may appear on branches and leaf joints. These small, round bugs can be wiped off or treated with horticultural oil.

Aphids may cluster on new growth, especially if overwatered. A natural soap spray can manage them.

Olive fruit flies, though rare in the UK, can appear in warmer regions. Hanging traps can help in mild infestations.

Regularly inspect the undersides of leaves and prune problem areas early to stop pests from spreading.

🧼 General Summer Maintenance

In addition to specific care routines, a few ongoing maintenance habits can keep your tree healthy all summer:

Rotate the pot occasionally to ensure even sun exposure and balanced growth.

Mulch the soil surface with bark or straw to retain moisture without overwatering.

Re-pot every 2–3 years or when roots become tightly packed.

Protect from unexpected storms by relocating the pot to a sheltered area temporarily.

🧠 Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overwatering: Olive trees are drought-tolerant. Too much water is far more damaging than too little.

Planting in shade: Reduced sunlight leads to leaf drop and weak branches.

Skipping pruning: A dense, tangled tree will struggle in hot, humid weather.

Using the wrong soil: Avoid moisture-retaining mixes; olive trees need free-draining soil to thrive.

🌸 Final Thought: A Tree That Gives Back

Whether you're growing an olive tree purely for aesthetics or hoping for a small harvest in future years, the effort you invest in summer care will pay off in health, appearance, and longevity. With proper pruning, watering, and positioning, your olive tree will not only survive the summer but flourish year after year, becoming a serene and iconic part of your home garden.

In a time when natural beauty and low-maintenance living are both highly valued, olive trees represent the perfect harmony of style, resilience, and sustainability. Let this summer be the season your tree thrives.