A primary reason your olive tree might be dropping leaves is related to watering issues.
Watering Problems Causing Leaf Drop
According to horticultural information, both giving your olive tree too much water or too little water can lead to leaves falling off. Olive trees, while known for their resilience, have specific needs, and improper watering significantly stresses the plant.
Overwatering Your Olive Tree
- Prolonged overwatering is detrimental.
- It can cause the leaves to drop.
- Crucially, it can also lead to the roots rotting away, which severely compromises the tree's health and ability to absorb nutrients and water correctly.
Underwatering Your Olive Tree
- Conversely, underwatering can result in similar leaf-dropping symptoms.
- Although olive trees are generally tough and can withstand some drought, they can only tolerate prolonged periods without water for so long.
- Insufficient water stresses the tree, leading it to shed leaves as a survival mechanism.
Essentially, finding the right balance with watering is key to preventing leaf drop caused by moisture stress.