How Tall Are Olive Trees?

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Have you ever stood next to an olive tree and wondered how tall it could grow if we just let it be?

In the wild, an olive tree can grow as tall as 25 to 30 feet (7.5 to 9 meters)—and sometimes even taller! With age, they stretch toward the sky, twisting into magnificent, sculptural forms that seem to hold centuries of stories in their bark.

But at Yiotis Olive Farm, and in most groves across the Mediterranean, we don’t let them reach for the clouds. Why?

We intentionally keep our trees short and wide, usually between 8 to 15 feet tall, for a few important reasons:

      Better Olive Harvesting: A wide, low tree allows us to hand-pick the olives with care, ensuring quality over quantity. It’s also safer and less labor-intensive than climbing ladders or using tall mechanical harvesters.

      Sunlight for Every Branch: The olive tree loves the sun! By keeping the canopy open and low, we help the sun reach every olive, which leads to better ripening and a more flavorful oil.

      Tree Health: A shorter, well-pruned tree has better air circulation, which helps protect it from pests and diseases. It's also easier to spot issues early and take care of the tree like the living treasure it is.

At Yiotis Olive Farm, we don’t just grow trees—we shape them like a craft, the way our grandparents taught us. Every pruning cut is a conversation with the tree.