Olive tree pruning is essential for the production of fruit for commercial use: without it trees bear alternately, produce smaller fruit with larger stones, are more susceptible to common diseases & fungi & are difficult to harvest.

But while the olive responds exceptionally well to pruning - probably more so than any of the fruit trees - being an evergreen it requires very precise, considered management to encourage it to maximize its production of fruit for commercial use & remain healthy & durable.

A precise knowledge of pruning practices & their effects on the different branches & structures in the tree is a fundamental part of a succesful modern olive grove.

These seminars, each for a maximum of 30 participants, are conducted on two levels - one for beginners, the other for those with pruning experience - & assist growers in understanding the theory of pruning, as well as providing guided, hands-on practice on trees of varying ages (where available).

Pruning #I is presented on Powerpoint with an additional 40 specific slides. There is ample time for discussion, questions & demonstration.

Pruning #II involves a short revision on pruning theory with the rest of the day working in specifically selected olive groves. Each participant is given extensive opportunity to prune trees in a workshop atmosphere.

The most suitable presentation time for the southern hemisphere is the spring months of August, September & October, or before flowering. For the northern hemisphere the best time is February, March & April. At least a month's prior booking is essential.

Outline

Pruning #I

Morning: Theory

1. Introduction
2. The basic tree structure
3. Pruning objectives & practices
4. Pre-pruning
5. Pruning
6. Post-pruning
7. Conclusion

Afternoon: practical

1. Practical tool selection & maintenance
2. Instructive/participant pruning
   

Pruning #II

Morning: Theory & Practical

1. The basic tree structure
2. Instructive/participant pruning
3. Pruning workshop, demonstration grove I

Afternoon: practical

1. Pruning workshop, demonstration grove 2
2. Pruning workshop, demonstration grove 3
3. Pruning workshop, demonstration grove 4
4. Discussion & questions