Are olive tree roots invasive?

To grow olives without damaging foundations, you need to understand root behavior. The laterally growing roots of mature olives do grow horizontally at distances up to 10-15 feet usually, however, they do not have the same destructive capability as maples or willows. I have a 20-year-old tree at the side of a patio for a client with no cracks due to the proximity, proving the gentle nature of olives when positioned appropriately.

Container gardening resolves issues with limited space in the urban area. The patio orchard I planted for a client in Los Angeles utilizes fabric pots of 25-gallon capacity, which allow for natural air-pruning of the roots. The trees have produced abundant fruit and can remain mobile! After three years, the roots will be pruned annually to avoid circling and this is a lesson learned from my unsuccessful whiskey-barrel plant experiment.

Moving a mature tree definitively proves that trees have resilient root systems. I successfully moved a 15-foot tall Arbequina with a 4-foot rootball, and in 2 years the tree produced 20 pounds of fruit. I root-pruned 6 months before moving the tree and applied mycorrhizal at the time of planting, both of which helped the tree with recovery. These tactics were shared with me by arborists from Northern Italy.

Planning for legacy is the most important consideration. Plant olives where your descendants can appreciate their shade and fruit. One Greek family takes care of an olive tree that is 300 years old whose roots have curled around old stone walls without causing any damage. With smart placement, your young tree could be the beginnings of a centuries-old tree rather than a liability.

Read the full article: How to Grow Olives: Step-by-Step Guide for Home Gardeners