Olive trees (Olea europaea), cultivated across U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11, are prized for their graceful, billowing appearance, attractive gray-green foliage, long lifespan and, sometimes, for the fruit they produce. If the olive tree is growing near a sidewalk, patio or other landscaping surface, the fruit can create an unwelcome mess. Pruning an olive tree at the right time or applying an inhibiting spray can largely prevent fruit formation.
Prune the olive tree canopy in late winter or early spring before flowering to effectively remove much of the growth from the previous growing season, as this is the wood that will produce flowers later in the season. This will generally not eliminate fruit production altogether and is most appropriate for small specimens where most of the canopy is easily reached or in situations where you prefer not to use sprays.
Spray the olive tree canopy thoroughly with a hormone spray that contains an active ingredient such as ethephon or ammonium 1-naphthaleneacetate at the time of flower bud development before the flowers mature enough to produce pollen and fruit
Spray the olive tree again about a week after the initial treatment to ensure that late blossoms are treated, unless otherwise directed by the product manufacturer.
Prune off and destroy any isolated fruit that develops on the tree even after spraying with the growth regulator, if desired.
Things You Will Need
- Loppers or pruning shears
- Auxin-derivative compound or growth retardant
- Spray applicator
- To mostly or entirely avoid unwanted olive fruiting, consider planting a fruitless olive variety such as "Swan Hill," "Majestic Beauty" or "Little Ollie."
- Always follow manufacturer recommendations when applying plant hormone sprays to ensure safe use and maximum effectiveness.
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