Olive Matters offers either skilled contract or casual pruning of olive trees, employing latest techniques to increase fruit production, improve tree balance & reduce labour costs.

The pruning of olive trees is one of the most difficult, yet crucial, of the cultural practices in a grove. Yet, skilled pruners either are becoming increasingly difficult to source, or base skills are non-existent.

Good pruning can:

Poor pruning can:

Olive tree pruning is essential for the production of fruit for commercial use: without it the trees bear alternately, produce smaller fruit with larger stones & are more susceptible to common diseases such as black scale (Saissetia oleae) sooty mould (Capnodium, Cladosporium, Alternaria etc), peacock spot (Spilocaea oleagina) & other fungal attacks.

Pruning also prepares the tree for picking, both manual & mechanical, as well as making it accessible for routine maintenance.

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

Pruning can't be ignored simply because it's either too hard or too expensive, nor can it be considered casually & be placed in the hands of the inexperienced or courageous.

Precise pruning practices by experienced operators is an unquestioned investment in the long-term viability of a commercial olive grove, whether for the production of oil or table olives.