The amount of water an olive tree needs depends primarily on its age and the stage of its establishment.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Newly Planted Olive Trees (First Year): These trees require consistent moisture to establish a strong root system. Water approximately once a week or whenever the top 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. It's crucial to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
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Established Olive Trees (After the First Year): Once an olive tree is established, it becomes quite drought-tolerant. Deep watering once a month is generally sufficient.
In Summary:
The key is to provide enough water for root establishment early on, then reduce watering frequency as the tree matures and develops its drought resistance. Always check the soil moisture to avoid overwatering, which can be detrimental.