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Old 29-Nov-2007   #5
Forest Reef
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Join Date: Jun-2004
Location: TriCities, TN
Country: USA
Posts: 154
Quote:
Originally Posted by steeleslee627

The leaves are almost totally dried up and falling off. I have checked the bark and the extended tips of limbs and neither of these places are "dried" out. They are quite green and flexible... not brittle at all.

Someone suggested the trees could just be stressed from being moved around and winding up in a new environment. I just dont want the little guys to die.

Black Olives sulk if they're not happy with the watering and sometimes for light or temperature changes. I've had one defoliate completely, sulk a few months, and leaf out nicely. That was the 1st season I had it, and I wasn't as careful about abrupt care changes (read: moving it seasonally).

My black olive tree is currently happily green in its indoor winter quarters under a big skylight (less than ideal conditions, but what I have available for this somewhat finicky tropical) - my climate is quite a bit cooler than yours, so you'll have to ask locally on wintering issues (if any) where you live. As long as your bark "scratches green" - it's fine. Let the tree be, watering only when needed, and it will leaf out in its own good time.

In case - "scratches green" = scratch a small spot of wood lightly with your fingernail - there should be a green layer right under the bark. Green & moist is good. Brown or black and dry is bad.

Good luck with your tree.
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