The olive tree, Olea europaea, combines ancient history with modern horticultural appeal, offering enduring beauty and potential fruit production. Its capacity to thrive in varied climates has made it a popular choice for home cultivation. Successfully acquiring a healthy specimen requires careful consideration of the tree’s type, source, and physical condition. This guide details the steps necessary to make an informed purchase.
Choosing the Right Variety and Tree Size
Selecting a variety that aligns with your local USDA Hardiness Zone is crucial. Olive trees thrive in Mediterranean climates, requiring protection if winter temperatures frequently drop below 15°F (-9°C). Cultivars like ‘Arbequina’ are favored for their higher cold tolerance, often surviving brief dips into Zone 8. Warmer varieties, such as ‘Mission’, typically require Zone 9 or 10 conditions.
Decide whether you want a fruiting or purely ornamental tree. Some trees, such as ‘Little Ollie’ or ‘Majestic Beauty’, are intentionally bred to be non-fruiting or sterile, minimizing mess and specialized care. If fruit is the goal, consider self-pollinating types like ‘Arbequina’ or ‘Koroneiki’, which do not require a second tree nearby. Other varieties, like ‘Manzanillo’, may benefit from cross-pollination to achieve maximum yields.
Larger container trees, often sold in 5-gallon or 15-gallon pots, offer instant visual impact and a higher survival rate due to their established root mass. These trees tolerate transplanting shock better than smaller stock. Conversely, smaller trees purchased in 1-gallon pots or as bare-root stock are the most economical choice. However, they demand immediate planting and intense initial care to establish a strong root system.
Identifying Reliable Retail Sources
Local and regional specialty nurseries are often the best source for olive trees. These establishments provide expert, localized advice tailored to your specific climate and soil conditions, which is invaluable for selecting the right cultivar. The trees sold here are typically already acclimatized to regional weather patterns, minimizing transplant shock.
Dedicated online olive tree growers offer the broadest selection of specialized or rare cultivars that may not be available locally. When buying online, verifying the vendor’s reputation and compliance is crucial, such as looking for USDA certification tags or state nursery inspection documentation. Shipping stress is a risk, and the buyer cannot physically inspect the tree’s health or root system before delivery.
Large home improvement centers and big box stores provide convenience and the lowest initial price point for olive trees. However, the stock is often generic, sometimes mislabeled, and the staff may lack the specific horticultural knowledge required for Olea europaea. These trees may have been sourced from distant, unacclimatized climates.
Reputable online nurseries will provide clear information regarding the tree’s age, rootstock type, and propagation method, such as being grown from a cutting or grafted. Always confirm the shipping method, ensuring the root ball remains moist and the canopy protected during transit. A reliable vendor should also offer a defined guarantee period against initial failure.
Essential Inspection Before Buying
Before completing any purchase, a thorough physical inspection of the tree is required. Examine the trunk just above the soil line for signs of physical damage, deep wounds, or poor graft unions that could compromise structural integrity. The canopy should display a uniform, silvery-green color, and the leaves should be firm, not wilted or yellowed.
Inspect the undersides of the leaves and branch crotches for common olive tree pests. Look particularly for scale insects, which appear as small, immobile bumps, or whiteflies and spider mites, which can cause leaf stippling or sticky residue known as honeydew. A significant pest population indicates a stressed tree requiring immediate treatment.
If possible, gently slide the tree partially out of its container to assess the root ball. Healthy roots should be white or tan and spread evenly through the soil medium without clumping. Avoid trees where the roots are tightly coiled or circling the container’s edge, as this indicates the tree is severely pot-bound and will struggle to establish properly.
Handling Your New Tree After Purchase
Safe transport is the first priority; the canopy must be protected from windburn during the drive home. For trees delivered via mail, immediately unpack the tree, removing all packing material but keeping the root ball moist. Do not attempt to plant the tree immediately upon arrival, especially if it was shipped across long distances or confined in darkness.
The tree requires a period of acclimatization to adjust to its new environment, especially if it came from a protected greenhouse. Place the container in a sheltered spot with partial sun for a week, gradually introducing it to full sunlight and wind. Ensure the root ball is thoroughly watered, but allow the top few inches of soil to dry slightly before watering again to prevent root rot.