Speci's Olive Project

[The Specimen]

Thought I'd add an olive to the collection and wanted to know when would be the best time to take the air layer on this one ?

I intend keeping the design as one big formal upright trunk and will try and compact the branching and foliage to enhance the trunk size.The top I would air layer to make a new multi trunked tree as a side project. How do I encourage more lower branching as it is very vigorous top end ?

Any tips welcome please !

[Andrew F]

DAT BASE!!!!

[Andrew Legg]

Wow - that's a serious chunk of wood you've got there mate! With regards to air layering, as I understand it, the best time to do it on an olive is just as it starts to grow strongly. Others may need to confirm that before you take it as gospel. Good luck! With regards to strong top growth, I also find this with my stumps I've dug. I find the best thing is to get them to about the correct height when you dig them up, as at least that way the growth is put into where you want it. I also trim the tops of mine back hard continuously as you also don't want a whole pile of thick branches up top!

Please put the airlayering photos up here mate as I'd be interested to see what you do.

Cheers,

Andrew

[The Specimen]

Thanks Drew.. yes I should have cut it to the right height

Even if I do air layer successfully, hacking that stump with a saw is not going to be fun actually impossible with my saw

If taking the layer is too late in the season then I'd have to wait till next season however with olives as tough as they I think it's still relatively safe