olive tree problem

hi
i have a mature olive tree about 8 years old, its been in a sheltered position without any winter protection. however this winter has taken its toll and i thought i had lost it but it has started sprouting again from the base. do i cut back all the top dead growth or leave it to see if it will sprout growth on that wood. gratefull if anyone can help.

thanks all rpdiy

 

Hi rpdiy.

Is your olive tree mature or 8 years old? It can hardly be both, being that olive trees grow to be hundreds of years old. Normally olive trees are left to grow in all sorts of shapes and sizes to get as much fruit off them as possible, and the resulting contorted, twisted trunks and branches are found all over parts of Europe and the Med. Scratch away the bark and check the colour of the wood underneath - If it's green and wet then your tree's still living, if not then it's dead. If it was my tree I'd keep it as it is and enjoy the architectural value that it offers.

 

thanks mathew
your right its not mature as olive trees go 8 years its still a young tree but at 5 feet tall you will forgive me for thinking it as not a new tree .
thanks for your advice
rpdiy