There are times when trees do not have to be planted in the ground, but their space is more limited due to a pot. These grow less than those that are left to free will, but they all develop the same. What happens is that, sometimes, you have to give it more care so that they retain their shape and so that they do not deteriorate. For example, in the case of an olive tree. Do you know how to prune a potted olive tree to make it look healthy and beautiful?
If you have one at home, whether in bonsai, prebonsai or a normal tree in a pot, today we are going to focus on one of the specific cares, such as how to prune a potted olive tree.
When to prune a potted olive tree
The olive tree is the characteristic tree of the Mediterranean. In Andalusia there are many landscapes that are full of this tree that is part of the gastronomy of Spain. Many plant it in the ground and expect it to get big, but sometimes because of its slow growth it allows you to keep it in a pot until it is large enough to be in a garden.
Taking this into account, you should know that the pruning of a potted olive tree is not going to be constant. But you do have to do it from time to time to help your horse run its course and develop properly.
El The ideal time to prune the potted olive tree will always be at the end of January. Now, there are times when this plant also allows maintenance pruning, which can be done throughout the year.
What is the difference between a maintenance pruning and a pruning? Actually, there is a difference. The one made in January is the "strong one", that is, it is the one in which many branches and leaves are actually cut and shaped, almost drastically.
On the other hand, with maintenance pruning, what is sought is only to eliminate those dead branches that are useless or the leaves that are weaker. In this way, you are cleaning the tree so that it does not lose energy in that part that is not important, or that does not have enough health.
Thus, responding to when to prune a potted olive tree, you should keep in mind that the exact moment will be at the end of January (except in cases where January is very cold for which you could wait a week or two, but no more). Y during the rest of the year you can do minimal pruning to preserve the health and aesthetics of the tree.
Some experts comment that there is another time when heavy pruning can be done, which is when the olive is harvested, since at that time the tree begins its vegetative period. However, when the specimen is young or has not yet borne fruit, it can be a danger because the exact moment when it is hibernating is not known for sure, so it is better to wait for a specific month.
Tools needed for pruning
There are two necessary and essential tools to power a potted olive tree. The first one, of course, is a pair of scissors. At first, your olive tree will not have very strong or hard branches, and the scissors that you can use will not be very special than the ones you have at home. But you should buy specific ones for gardening since they are much stronger and serve to cut the thickest branches without effort and without damaging the tree too much since they make a clean cut.
The second tool you need, and not many use it, is a wound sealant or also known as cicatrizant. It is a product that is applied to the cuts to prevent diseases from entering the olive tree or that it sees its health diminished. It is important to put it on to help you heal earlier and also to avoid complications, especially during the first years of life.
How to prune a potted olive tree
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Next, we are going to give you the steps you must take so that pruning a potted olive tree is not difficult at all. In fact, it is very simple if you have a guide. In this case, we must distinguish several ways of pruning according to the age of the olive tree.
All the The first three prunings of the potted olive tree will only be to contain the tree buds. You need them to be between 80 and 100 centimeters tall, which is normal for their branching. As this is going to take a few years, the initial pruning will only focus on getting that training.
After 6 years, the training pruning will begin. This consists of leaving three well-marked branches to serve as a structure for the branches that are born next. From here on it is the most important, and the strongest you will make over the years. Normally, in a potted olive tree, this occurs when the tree is one meter high. And it helps the trunk start to grow stronger.
In addition, as we have told you before, there is a maintenance pruning. This is done at any time of the year, and serves not only to remove dead branches and weak leaves. But all those that do not serve us (for example that go down instead of up, that are hindering other branches, that do not bear fruit, etc.
We do recommend that you do not do this pruning all at once, but rather that you space out the cutting of the branches. Since this way the tree will not be stressed by losing certain branches or leaves and will not be exposed to parasites, pests or diseases, which are common in the summer, especially if you have it with other plants.
Don't be afraid to cut too much, as long as you do it in January. This is the best time to prune a potted olive tree more drastically. If the tree is healthy, it will soon sprout again and regain its shape. So now that you know how to prune a potted olive tree. You just have to get down to work and cut those branches that you have seen that are not suitable for your copy.