Sara Truter from Somerset West writes: I have a 10 year old olive tree that has grown well but is showing no signs of fruit. Last year I treated it for soot mold, but that seems to have cleared up. Now the leaves have these “bleached” spots; Could this affect fertility? What can I do to improve the health of my olive tree?
JJ replies: Olive trees don’t need cross-pollination, but will bear much better fruit if two or more varieties bloom at the same time. Olive trees prefer alkaline soils and particularly appreciate the application of agricultural lime every few months. Fertilize every two to three months with 8: 1: 5 fertilizer to promote leaves, flowers and fruits. The spots on your leaves are a sign of a cicada infestation (common on olive trees); treat with Avigard or Malathion. Try spraying it all over the tree and repeat after 10 days
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