How do you protect an olive tree from frost

Olea europaea

Olea europaea

Can olive trees survive frost

Severe frosts can damage olive trees. Young olive trees with a small trunk circumference need protection in winter, especially in cold areas. They can tolerate temperatures down to -5 degrees Celsius.

A mature olive tree can withstand -10 degrees Celsius in a sheltered position. If temperatures drop below -10 degrees Celsius, it will also need protection.

How do you protect an olive tree from winter frost in the open ground

Use a fleece plant jacket to protect an olive tree in the open ground against frost. Place it over the top of the tree. If really cold weather is forecast, also insulate the trunk against the winter cold.

Wrap layers of fleece or hessian around the trunk, if necessary stuffed with straw. Tie these layers in place with twine.

olive tree with a small trunk circumference
Olive tree small trunk circumference    Olive tree large trunk circumference

How do you protect an olive tree in a pot or container from frost

Bring a potted olive tree indoors to a cool, bright, dry and frost-free place. Reduce the watering during the winter months. Alternatively, if you can’t move the olive tree because the container is too heavy, keep the plant outdoors. Cover the outside of the pot with bubble wrap to protect the roots and the pot from cracking.

Raise the pot off the ground by placing pot feet, tiles or bricks to keep drainage good. Then place a fleece plant jacket over the top of the tree.

If really cold weather is forecast, also insulate the trunk against the winter cold. Wrap layers of fleece or hessian around the trunk, if necessary stuffed with straw. Tie these layers in place with twine.

When do you remove the fleece protection

You don’t have to leave garden fleece or the fleece plant jacket on all winter. When all danger of frost has passed remove the protection.

olive tree fleece plant jacketolijfboom winter
Fleece plant jacket