Olive tree loses leaves in winter

The olive tree in winter

It can happen that the tree loses some leaves in winter. If you notice an increased loss of leaves, care errors are often responsible.

You should know that the olive tree is an evergreen plant. This means that it usually retains the foliage and stays green even in winter. But that only works if the location and the watering and fertilizing behavior are correct.

Countermeasures when the tree loses leaves

If the plant has only recently lost leaves, the damage is still minor and can be repaired quickly. In most cases, an immediate change in care is enough and the olive tree recovers. Soon the fresh green will sprout again and the tree will show healthy leaves by spring at the latest.

Make sure that the area is light, even in winter. The correct temperatures are around 10 degrees Celsius. A basement room, a stairwell or a winter garden are suitable. You should ensure a constant, dry climate without drafts.

If you only have a darker location available, attach a plant lamp with UV light. With around four to six hours of lighting a day, you will take care of the plant.

In winter the olive tree is in the dormant phase and does less photosynthesis when there is less exposure to the sun. Although there is no visible growth during this time, it does need some water to survive. Especially at low temperatures, make sure that the roots do not dry out or start to rot. Water no more than once a week. If the soil is too moist, wait until it has dried.

If the plant remains outside during the cold season, think about thermal protection. Wrap the jar as thick as possible with cold-insulating material. Several layers of fleece, straw, scraps of fabric, bubble wrap or newspapers are suitable.

Also place the bucket on a layer of this layer to insulate your protégé against the penetration of frost from below. Do not forget to water them even if they are kept outdoors in winter. It is best to do this on frost-free days.

If the olive tree loses some leaves despite your good care, move it to a bright and sunny spot in spring. With a lot of light and warmth, the plant will soon sprout again. There is no need to trim bald spots. Remove any dried up and diseased shoots at the beginning of the vegetation phase.

The countermeasures for leaf loss at a glance

Maintenance methods	Maintenance measures
Location	bright and dry
temperature	about 10 degrees Celsius
Watering	Do not let the root ball dry out and do not keep it too moist.
Fertilizer application	do not give fertilizer.
Free range	Protect from frost with winter protection.

An olive tree is usually more resilient and robust than you might think. Therefore, the right care is worthwhile, even if the tree loses some leaves in winter. If you take good care of it, the plant will sprout again and vigorously.