An overgrown olive tree on the left, and freshly pruned trees to the right
Buds are just starting to appear on some of our olive trees, meaning it’s time to wrap up the pruning. After 5 years of neglect the trees are very overgrown, but we have treated them gently and not pruned too drastically this year. This weekend was an opportunity for some last-minute trimming – cutting the trees down to a more manageable height, which will save valuable time during the harvest, and removing central branches to let the light in, which is essential for olives to develop.
Before – bushy and impossible to reach
and after.
Before – too tall with dense foliage
and after.
Notes from a Tuscan Olive Grove 
Such beautiful old trees, the silvery leaves and twisted branches.
They’re beautiful aren’t they, so much character. We’re very lucky to have such gnarled old creatures – the ‘big freeze’ in 1985 killed most of the olive trees in Tuscany and many of the surrounding groves have much younger trees. Somehow most of ours survived – they are truly resilient.
There’s something so noble about these trees. I’m glad they have such caring guardians.
They are grand old creatures aren’t they. We are indeed very lucky to be able to look after them.