My potted olive looks in bad shape, and scratch tests on the trunk have given unclear results. How can I tell whether it’s still alive, and what should I do next without making things worse?
Is there still a chance for my olive tree?
Asked by QuietOrbit
Answers
Check a few spots, not just the top of the trunk. Gently scratch a small patch of bark lower down and on a couple of branches. Green, moist tissue is a hopeful sign. If the branches are brown and brittle, prune only the parts that are clearly dead, and keep checking for buds before giving up on it.
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Have a look at the rootball before changing everything. If it’s very dry and packed hard, water it thoroughly and make sure excess water can drain. If the roots are tightly crowded, repotting into a free-draining mix may help, but a stressed tree can look worse for a while after being disturbed. Don’t keep adding water just because the leaves look bad if the soil is already moist.
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Cold damage could be part of the picture, especially if the decline followed a cold spell. Put it somewhere bright and sheltered, and avoid moving it outside into harsh conditions until the weather is suitable. Recovery may be slow, so watch for fresh buds rather than expecting the existing leaves to perk up quickly.
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QuietOrbit:
That makes sense. I’ll check lower on the trunk and avoid cutting back anything that might still be alive.