Mature or Young Olive Trees? How to Choose the Right Olive Tree Before You Buy

The Big Decision: Should You Choose a Young or Mature Olive Tree?

If you’re thinking about buying an olive tree, chances are you’ve already run into this question: should I choose a mature or young olive tree?

At first glance, the difference can seem simple; one is smaller and more affordable, the other is larger and more established. But in reality, the choice affects far more than just budget. It determines how your garden looks from day one, how quickly you achieve that Mediterranean feel, and how satisfied you’ll be several years down the line.

Here in the UK climate, this decision matters even more. Olive trees grow successfully across the UK, but they grow slowly. We don’t have the long, intense Mediterranean summers that rapidly thicken trunks and accelerate shaping. That means what you buy today will look very similar for quite some time and understanding the difference between olive tree sizes is often the key factor in making the right purchase.

The truth is this: the right choice depends less on price and more on how you want your garden to look now, not years from now.

Let’s break it down properly so you can choose with confidence.

What Do We Mean by “Mature” vs “Young” Olive Trees?

Before you can decide, it helps to be clear on what these terms actually mean. They’re often misunderstood and sometimes used loosely.

What is a young olive tree?

A young olive tree is typically:

• Around 1–10 years old
• Usually 80cm to 150cm tall
• Slim trunk with smooth or lightly textured bark and a neat but relatively sparse canopy

Young olive trees are still very much in their formative years. Their shape will change significantly over time, and the gnarled, aged look many people love hasn’t developed yet.

What is a mature olive tree?

A mature olive tree is very different:

• Commonly 15–50+ years old
• Often 1.8m to 3m+ tall
• Thick, characterful trunk with natural movement and a well-developed canopy

Importantly, “mature” does not simply mean taller. A tall olive tree grown quickly can still look young. True maturity is about age, trunk development, and years of slow growth and shaping.

How Long Does a Young Olive Tree Take to Look Mature?

In the UK, olive trees grow mainly from late spring through summer. Growth is steady but slow. During autumn and winter, development slows significantly as the tree focuses on resilience rather than expansion.

When you plant a young olive tree, its first priority is root establishment. Above ground changes can feel subtle from year to year. Trunk thickening happens gradually. Bark texture develops over time. The distinctive aged appearance that defines a mature olive tree can take 10 to 20 years, sometimes longer to form.

If immediate presence and character matter to you, buying maturity upfront can prevent years of waiting.

Why Do Mature Olive Trees Cost More Than Young Olive Trees?

You’re paying for:

• Decades of slow growth
• Skilled pruning and shaping
• Transport, handling, and survival through transplantation
• Immediate aesthetic impact

In other words, you’re buying time.

With young olive trees, you save upfront, but you invest years of waiting, care, and uncertainty about how the tree will ultimately develop.

Neither option is wrong. The key is knowing which kind of “payment” you’re comfortable making: money now, or time later.

Which Should You Choose?

The answer depends on your space, your expectations, and the role the tree will play in your garden.

If you have a compact patio, balcony, or flexible outdoor layout, a young olive tree is often the most practical choice. It offers versatility, lighter weight, and long-term adaptability.

If you want a statement feature, something that anchors a courtyard, frames a doorway, or delivers immediate Mediterranean atmosphere, a mature olive tree provides that presence from day one.

Many buyers in the UK initially consider a smaller tree, but once they see the difference in trunk character and canopy structure, the decision becomes clearer.

Final Expert Advice Before Buying an Olive Tree

At Olive Grove Oundle, we’ve helped countless customers make this decision. The happiest buyers are always those who matched the tree to their expectations, not just their budget.

Seeing trees in person or at least asking for recent photos makes a huge difference. Every olive tree is unique, especially mature ones.

If you’re unsure which olive tree is right for your garden, we’re always happy to advise.

Call us on 01832 275660 or email info@olivegroveoundle.co.uk for personalised guidance before you buy.