Much like the roots of the olive tree, seeking sustenance and strength, we too must sometimes spread our roots to find our place in the world, but always with the awareness of the space we occupy.

Roots of the Olive Tree:

Are They Invasive?

As a century-spanning symbol of peace and prosperity, the diaspora of olive trees has spread its time-foliaged boughs across the world, from their ancient Mediterranean-region homelands to the tropical climes of Thailand and beyond.

With Renown Comes Scrutiny

As their popularity among Thailand’s discerning landscaper community grows, there emerges a question that anyone from the newbie gardener to veteran green-thumb would consider a deal-breaker in deciding which species of tree will adorn their landscaped grounds:

Are olive tree roots invasive?

Short answer: For the most part, no.

What Exactly Are Invasive Roots invading?

The negative impact of invasive roots can be seen buckled sidewalks and cracked walls caused by aggressively invasive tree roots such as those of the ficus, silver maple or willow. These roots are rigid and unyielding in their growth, and are often as hard as the trunk wood. Their search for moisture is not subtle, and anything in their way is nudged aside or damaged. Talk about rude roots!

Why Olive Tree Roots are Different

Unlike the wetter-climate species mentioned above, Olea europaea — the botanical designation for the common olive tree — boasts a more lean-and-mean, high performance root system that has evolved for survival in consistently dry, arid climates. Olive roots are more fibrous so they can penetrate tiny cracks and spaces in rock and hard soil as they seek hidden moisture sources otherwise inaccessible to larger, rigid roots.

This means they spread and grow deeper into the ground when presented with an obstacle, rather than “bulldoze” through it, be it a concrete walkway, building foundation or public road.

This has the added advantage of giving olive trees a firmer anchoring quality that allows it to stay upright in high winds.

You don’t get to be a centuries-old legacy tree by having the wind-endurance of a dandelion!

How To Discourage Root Invasiveness

Despite being ‘polite’ non-aggressive, olive tree roots are style loyal to their above-ground boss and might venture beyond what a landscaped garden can reasonable accommodate. That’s why it’s a good idea to plan carefully before planting, and maintain a level of routine upkeep that will minimize stress and foster an overall more rewarding and hassle-free olive tree experience. 

Here are some steps you can take to further minimize the invasiveness of the olive tree’s already-unobtrusive roots:

• Plant Mindfully: Choose planting spot with ample overhead space and ground depth.                                                                                                                                      For groves or clustered garden features, determine the amount of separation recommended for your variety and space accordingly.

• Soil Barriers: Narrow concrete or stone skirting or below-surface dividing wall to direct or segregate an individual tree’s root growth.

• Proper & Consistent Care: Learn the simple whens and hows of pruning and watering, then stick to a mood-soothing routine that ensures your tree gets what it needs to survive your lifetime and beyond.

• Eyes-On Roots: It’s not a bad idea to your tree’s monitor root growth, just to be sure you catch any invasy-panky in the early stages when corrective measures are easiest.
  

In Their Words: A Thai Olive Tree Grower Shares Their Personal Experiences

A veteran olive grower from Chiang Rai, Khun Chanida has this to say:

“Olive trees have been a joy [for me] to cultivate. While their roots are expansive, they have caused minimal concerns on my land. Regular checks and mindful planting have been the key.”

This is a common sentiment expressed by growers throughout Thailand. The fast-growing popularity of the local ornamental olive tree owners’ community that Thai this Mediterranean evergreen can be successfully grown and sustained in Thai soil.

Good Dirt, Good News For Thailand Olive Tree Growers…

With this optimistic outlook in mind, it makes the country’s naturally nutrient-rich, fertile soil and abundant sunshine a favorable environment for olive trees to grow and flourish throughout their gaping lifespan.

Results of preliminary studies of olive trees nurtured in Thailand show us that, while their roots may spread and grow deeper, they do not have any significant adverse effect on the surrounding area, or cause disruption to growth of other plants.

…But Not Without Some Caveats

Despite the good news soil-wise for olive tree growers in Thailand, it’s important to remember this is not a green-light to plant your tree just anyplace you’d like.

Before even breaking ground, the smart and prudent olive grower will be aware of, and carefully consider proximity of the preferred planting site to infrastructure like underground pipes or building foundations. This will remove the possibility of any unforeseeable root-related problems during its long lifetime ahead.

Adaptivity Makes It Welcome Here

While olive tree roots are expansive in the service of the above-ground “glamor-tree” world, describing them “invasive” would not be accurate. Olive tree roots are naturally unobtrusive and happy growing in Thailand’s fertile soil.

It means that those who have been captivated by their beauty and/or encouraged by their potential as a crop source may rest-assured that Olea europaea can be successfully grown, will mature and thrive to become a beloved feature of Thai landscapes, harmoniously coexisting with their adopted ecosystem.

Now that you have a better understanding of this amazing tree and how it grows, come see for yourself the stunning results in real life, at Century Olive Tree Nursery and Show-Gardens and stroll amid actual landscaping display-settings highlighting a diverse selection of exotic olive tree varieties.

It’s fast and easy to book your personal Century Olive Tree tour on our official LINE account, or call +66 9896 82666, +66 9339 33666.