When trees eventually die of natural causes, it’s usually because they’ve simply gotten too big for their own good—they can no longer pump nutrients all the way out to their furthest branches. But here’s the cool thing about olive trees: they grow incredibly slowly. Because they take their time, it takes centuries for them to reach that “limit.” In fact, some olive tree trunks are hundreds, or even thousands, of years old!
Olive trees get better with age
That iconic, gnarly look we all love? Olive trees don’t start out that way. It takes several hundred years for them to develop that unique character. If an olive tree is well-cared for and left to its own devices, it can easily live between 300 and 600 years. The secret to that kind of longevity is all about the location. To thrive for centuries, the root system needs plenty of room to roam. Believe it or not, the root spread of a mature olive tree can reach a diameter of 50 feet or more!
Character comes from the inside out
While many trees focus on reaching for the sky, older olive trees tend to branch out—literally. As they age, they grow wider rather than just taller. This often causes the trunk to hollow out from the inside while continuing to grow outward. This process creates those beautiful twists, deep grooves, and even holes in the trunk that make every old olive tree a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
Winter protection is key
If you’re lucky enough to live in a mild climate, you can keep your olive tree outdoors to overwinter. However, you’ve got to protect that precious trunk from frost. Coconut fiber mats are a great choice for wrapping the trunk. For an extra layer of safety, I recommend using a plant heater—it’s basically like a string of lights that you wrap around the trunk underneath the matting. Also, keep an eye on the bark; if you notice any damage, treat it quickly with some bark balsam to keep the tree healthy.
To wrap it up, here’s what you need to know about the olive tree trunk:
- It gets gnarly, twisted, and sometimes hollow as it hits its golden years.
- It needs a little extra insulation during the winter months.
- Always patch up bark damage promptly with bark balsam.
