The first years: training
Training cuts should be as light as possible. Every leaf area removed delays entry into production. Set trunk height according to your harvesting method and let lateral shoots feed the trunk before removing them gradually.
The hedgerow wall
- Aim for a continuous, narrow wall with a fixed height and a width that matches the harvester.
- Lateral hedging so the alley between rows does not close.
- Keep light in the lower part of the wall — shaded zones stop fruiting.
- Alternate the pruned side each year so you do not lose too much of the crop.
Fruiting pruning
Olive fruits on the previous season's shoots. Annual pruning renews that growth, removes dead and diseased wood and balances crop load to reduce alternate bearing. Prefer few, clean cuts with disinfected tools, after the risk of hard frost and before bud break.
Frequently asked questions
- Should I prune every year?
- Yes — a light annual pruning beats a heavy cut every three years: production is steadier and you get fewer water sprouts.