Our olive trees
The olive tree was originally a bush and is only grown as a tree for the purpose of farming more olives. The trees require a great deal of sun to provide its olives with flavors, taste, and polyphenols.
With hot summers and mild winters, the climate of Tuscany has ideal conditions for the growth of olive trees. The olive tree has two growing seasons, a rigorous one in the spring which reaches peak flowering in May and one in the fall resulting in the harvesting in late November.
During the hot summer months the olive trees regulate themselves when water is scarce. When the temperature is high and there is no rain, the leaves bend in such a way to prevent evaporation and save the moisture. The leaves also turn a lighter green until the next rain when the leaves open up and and once again return to the vibrant and fresh green color .
Normal winter weather in Tuscany is fine for the olive trees but severe frosts can cause immense damage especially to young trees under five years. Temperatures under 20°F/-7°C are dangerous to the trees The historic winter of 1984/85 with temperatures as low as 5° F/-15°C, caused all of the foliage and olives in Tuscany to die making it necessary to cut them back to the roots. These plants did not bear olives for three years.
Maintenance of the olive trees:
It is especially important to cut the olive trees back before the spring so that they have more flowers and then olives. This requires a lot of experience and professional knowledge, since each tree will be treated by its variety and age. Therefore it is imperative to complete the offered training courses regarding the olive tree cuttings and olive oil production in order to obtain the necessary skills and certification.
Our certification:
Bruno Benz was cerified in the region of Tuscany by the laws instituted in the region on August 31, 1994. (certification # 121) The famous Dr. Marco Mugelli, a recognized international olive oil expert and president/founder of ANAPOO (National Association of Olive Oil Tasters-translated) with headquarters in San Casciano near Florence, presented the courses.
Ground care:
We work only with organic substances such as manure, mulch and natural green manure so that the humus layer is enriched and protected from erosion.
Sprays against diseases:
If at all possible we avoid the use of chemical pesticides and use only in absolute emergencies. To see an anaysis of the products used in emergencies only, - link to our internal files. -
