How to Repot an Olive Tree

Olive trees in pots are a popular choice for home and business owners alike. An eye-catching centrepiece in any garden, they certainly stand out – and compared to many other plants, they can be relatively low-maintenance.

However, because olive trees tend to grow quite rapidly, they do need repotting from time to time. If you’ve not done this before, don’t be alarmed. Here at Olive Grove Oundle, we have years of experience potting and repotting olives, so we’ve put that to good use by assembling a step-by-step guide to the process.

Repotting an olive tree, step by step

First, it’s important to understand when to repot your tree. If it’s young and still growing at a fairly rapid rate, we would recommend placing it in a larger pot each spring to ensure the roots have enough room to grow. Repotting also provides an ideal opportunity to give your tree fresh compost, ensuring it has all the nutrients it needs to thrive.

Ready to get started? Here’s what you need to do:

1. Place your tree on its side and remove the root ball from the pot. It’s usually easiest to turn it and pull it up from the main stem at the same time.
2. Check your tree for dead roots. If you spot any, remove them, along with any weeds or moss.
3. Add some compost to your new pot, filling it approximately a third of the way up. Not sure which compost and how much grit to use? We’ve got you covered!
4. Place the tree in your new pot and press it down into the compost a little.
5. Ensuring the trunk is straight, begin filling up the remainder of the pot with compost.
6. Finish up by watering generously, and water regularly for a few weeks after.

There you have it. And if you’re still stuck or need some advice, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

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