help with why i'm losing my leaves off of my olive tree

african lady · 21st July 2007, 02:32 AM

I have a europea olive tree.It is young,well 3 years old.But as yet it has not fruited.But it is tending to lose it's leaves.I am feeding it with miracle grow,do i have to use something else.It is watered also it is next to our house.Would really like some help with this.Thankyou.

Sean Freeman · 21st July 2007, 11:17 AM

Hi African Lady, there are so many possible causes for leaf drop in all trees that its not possible to give you any specific useful answers based on the information you have provided. Generally unseasonal leaf drop is a response to stress by the tree, the stress can be caused by biotic agents; fungi, bacteria insects etc.. or abiotic agents; drought, flooding, frost, chemical injury, physical injury etc...

Olive trees replace their leaves every 2/3yrs and usually is accompanied by new growth in the spring. Trees as young as yours should be able to cope with sudden leaf drop once or twice but the real issue is to identify the cause of the lost foliage. I'm afraid more information is required for any of us to give you useful advice; what region are you in, what is the soil type and conditions....sandy/clay/chalk....wet/waterlogged/dry...sloping/low spot/raised bed etc Any changed conditions that you are aware of in the last 6/12 months around the root system and canopy of the tree; excessive temp variations/high winds/heavy rain/prolonged drought etc... If you can take some photos these will help greatly in geting to the bottom of the problem, olives do have a range of pests and disorders that can trouble them. If you can't post any pics take a very close look at the leaves themselves and describe the colour, shape and texture; yellowing/spots/blotches/pattern of yellowing/signs of insect pests.

sandrakorosecjensen · 22nd March 2010, 12:08 AM

Dear ALL,

I have three olive trees, one 8yr-old and two - 3yr-old. The younger ones lost ALL their leaves in past 2 winter months, the older one not, bus also lost bit of leaves. I kept all trees outside this year, but protected (covered by appropriate (laine- like) fabric, pots isolated with bubble-termoisolation-paper. It was raining frequent enough, so that I didn`t have to water them too often (always checked underpots though). This winter was extraordinarily cold (for normally mild Basle with temp.normally never pass below 0°C) - but never below -8°C nights (days round -5°C in coldest times).
Prior to winter, I nourished my trees with appropriate additives (minerals) in appropriate amount. I have taken good care of my trees all these years.

What should I do, will the leaves re-grow again? I am desperate, please advice!

Thanks in advance for your support.

Kind regards, Sandra

Eric Frei · 23rd March 2010, 07:42 PM

What sort of nourishment did you do?

You need to be patient now.

If the soil conditions are good it's up to the tree now. Wait and see.

Kimmy C · 1st June 2010, 02:07 AM

Hi there, Im new.....my olive tree is only about 18 months old but this year some of the leaves are going yellow and have a light brown colour at the tip, it doesnt look as good as when I first got it. Would the wind do this. I cannot see any pest / disease. I have started to feed it once a week with a general plant fertilizer.

Eric Frei · 3rd June 2010, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kimmy C

Hi there, Im new.....my olive tree is only about 18 months old but this year some of the leaves are going yellow and have a light brown colour at the tip, it doesnt look as good as when I first got it. Would the wind do this. I cannot see any pest / disease. I have started to feed it once a week with a general plant fertilizer.

Doesn't sound good at all.

Can you take some pics?

Wind generally will not yellow the leaf.

Do a pH test, could be tons of nutrient but plant unable to take up.

21st July 2007, 02:32 AM	#1
african lady I'm new here so be nice Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 1	help with why i'm losing my leaves off of my olive tree I have a europea olive tree.It is young,well 3 years old.But as yet it has not fruited.But it is tending to lose it's leaves.I am feeding it with miracle grow,do i have to use something else.It is watered also it is next to our house.Would really like some help with this.Thankyou.

22nd March 2010, 12:08 AM	#3
sandrakorosecjensen I'm new here so be nice Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: BASEL Posts: 1	Re: help with why i'm losing my leaves off of my olive tree Dear ALL, I have three olive trees, one 8yr-old and two - 3yr-old. The younger ones lost ALL their leaves in past 2 winter months, the older one not, bus also lost bit of leaves. I kept all trees outside this year, but protected (covered by appropriate (laine- like) fabric, pots isolated with bubble-termoisolation-paper. It was raining frequent enough, so that I didn`t have to water them too often (always checked underpots though). This winter was extraordinarily cold (for normally mild Basle with temp.normally never pass below 0°C) - but never below -8°C nights (days round -5°C in coldest times). Prior to winter, I nourished my trees with appropriate additives (minerals) in appropriate amount. I have taken good care of my trees all these years. What should I do, will the leaves re-grow again? I am desperate, please advice! Thanks in advance for your support. Kind regards, Sandra

23rd March 2010, 07:42 PM	#4
Eric Frei Admin - Razor sharp and independent 2 X Diploma Level 5 qualified arborist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,820	Re: help with why i'm losing my leaves off of my olive tree What sort of nourishment did you do? You need to be patient now. If the soil conditions are good it's up to the tree now. Wait and see. __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

1st June 2010, 02:07 AM	#5
Kimmy C I'm new here so be nice Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Essex Posts: 1	Re: help with why i'm losing my leaves off of my olive tree Hi there, Im new.....my olive tree is only about 18 months old but this year some of the leaves are going yellow and have a light brown colour at the tip, it doesnt look as good as when I first got it. Would the wind do this. I cannot see any pest / disease. I have started to feed it once a week with a general plant fertilizer.

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21st July 2007, 11:17 AM	#2
Sean Freeman Monument Status Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Townsville Nth Queensland & Gold Coast Sth Queensland Posts: 1,985	Hi African Lady, there are so many possible causes for leaf drop in all trees that its not possible to give you any specific useful answers based on the information you have provided. Generally unseasonal leaf drop is a response to stress by the tree, the stress can be caused by biotic agents; fungi, bacteria insects etc.. or abiotic agents; drought, flooding, frost, chemical injury, physical injury etc... Olive trees replace their leaves every 2/3yrs and usually is accompanied by new growth in the spring. Trees as young as yours should be able to cope with sudden leaf drop once or twice but the real issue is to identify the cause of the lost foliage. I'm afraid more information is required for any of us to give you useful advice; what region are you in, what is the soil type and conditions....sandy/clay/chalk....wet/waterlogged/dry...sloping/low spot/raised bed etc Any changed conditions that you are aware of in the last 6/12 months around the root system and canopy of the tree; excessive temp variations/high winds/heavy rain/prolonged drought etc... If you can take some photos these will help greatly in geting to the bottom of the problem, olives do have a range of pests and disorders that can trouble them. If you can't post any pics take a very close look at the leaves themselves and describe the colour, shape and texture; yellowing/spots/blotches/pattern of yellowing/signs of insect pests.