Moving an olive tree- will this survive?

[TT86]

Hey folks

We are mid build on our driveway and need to lose two olive trees which although nice are far to close to the house and also in the way of a new path.

Builders took the smaller one out today, doesn't appear much root ball but I know olives survive in pots.

Does this look like it'll survive? Any tips on how to get it to take once moved? I think my mum will have this one of its saveable.

Should I water the root ball over the weekend? I won't be able to plant it until Tues or weds

Thank you for any help!

[Rotaree]

There isn't a picture showing so difficult to be sure but I think olives are fairly hardy; we transplanted five earlier this year from pots into the ground. Four were fairly small but one was about eight feet tall and had been in a pot for at least 25 years; they are now all thriving and have actually produced a few olives. I think I would wet the root ball (but not soak) and put the root ball into a black bag until you're ready to plant (although I'm no expert gardener!).

[Skyedriver]

We've had one in a pot for quite a few years, stands about 6' high, maybe a tad less. They don't like too much water, I was over watering ours!

[White-Noise]

Skyedriver said:

We've had one in a pot for quite a few years, stands about 6' high, maybe a tad less. They don't like too much water, I was over watering ours!

Congrats on the 300 months!

[TT86]

Rotaree said:

There isn't a picture showing so difficult to be sure but I think olives are fairly hardy; we transplanted five earlier this year from pots into the ground. Four were fairly small but one was about eight feet tall and had been in a pot for at least 25 years; they are now all thriving and have actually produced a few olives. I think I would wet the root ball (but not soak) and put the root ball into a black bag until you're ready to plant (although I'm no expert gardener!).

Thanks for such a helpful reply!! I'll follow your tips in the morning and fingers crossed it'll survive. I thought I had added the pic! Please see below

[TT86]

Skyedriver said:

We've had one in a pot for quite a few years, stands about 6' high, maybe a tad less. They don't like too much water, I was over watering ours!

Thank you that bodes fairly well then!

[The Three D Mucketeer]

Mine lost every leaf after winter this year , but has recovered to be better than it was before ... Enabled me to to prune it into much better shape .

[White-Noise]

My gf has a few of them and they have been fine and as mentioned don't over water them. Hers are in post and can't have tons of roots. They seem to be hardy things. Hope it goes well.

[Simpo Two]

TT86 said:

Builders took the smaller one out today, doesn't appear much root ball but I know olives survive in pots.

If they've ripped off the feeding roots it may be knackered. Builders and anything green don't usually mix.

TT86 said:

Should I water the root ball over the weekend? I won't be able to plant it until Tues or weds

Stop it from drying out, perhaps a towel over the top soaked in water and keep it wet.

Every day out makes it less likely to survive.

[TT86]

Simpo Two said:

Stop it from drying out, perhaps a towel over the top soaked in water and keep it wet.

Every day out makes it less likely to survive.

Good shout thank you, I'll do that tomorrow. Guessing no way of telling if the feeding roots were damaged?

In fairness it was in a very precarious position at the top of a ten foot sheer drop so I can't blame them if it did get damaged

[.:ian:.]

Are you doing a Colin Furze?

[TT86]

.:ian:. said:

Are you doing a Colin Furze?

Tempting but the Mrs wouldn't go for that!

All being well should end up about a 1m drop at the back with a bit of a slope to the drive.

[Panamax]

Skyedriver said:

They don't like too much water, I was over watering ours!

If you want an olive tree to actually do anything they need plenty of water in spring/summer.

"Water olive trees by soaking the soil from the top until water drains from the bottom of the pot, allowing it to dry out between waterings to prevent soggy roots. Water more frequently in spring and summer, with containers needing more regular watering than trees planted in the ground. Reduce watering in cooler months and never water a frozen tree."

[Nick_MSM]

Doesn't look too bad, can you get it in a large pot with plenty of something like John Innes #3 asap? Keep it watered so it doesn't dry out and it might be okay.

[8-P]

Nick_MSM said:

Doesn't look too bad, can you get it in a large pot with plenty of something like John Innes #3 asap? Keep it watered so it doesn't dry out and it might be okay.

This

[TT86]

8-P said:

This

Sadly no large pot available, borrowed one of those flexible builders buckets from a neighbour but the root ball was too big. Have watered the root ball well and are due rain tomorrow so hopefully it'll be ok!