Dead olive tree. Why?

[s.varty]

Planted this olive tree 5 years ago. Looked healthy the last 4 years, this year it has obviously died. I know its been a dry year but that surely that shouldnt be the reason , its planted next to a pond as well. Seems to be growth around the base. Any ideas?

[Stephen Blair]

i could only blame the drought early on and the lack of rain over winter, it has been a harsh year for trees.

[skyhuck]

We had the hardest winter for 30 years, could it be that??

[Stephen Blair]

the grass is burnt around the tree and the pond might just mean the ground is very well draining.

[s.varty]

We had the hardest winter for 30 years, could it be that??

 

That could well be the reason, as olives are not a natural english tree , but have done well in this country because of our mild winters, they have flourished. Then all of a sudden minus 9 comes along, at least i am going to find out what it burns like. The guys given up with foreign trees and want to replace it with a willow, try and kill that mother nature.

[Big 'Ammer]

You're all wrong.

 

Its low on oil.

[geoff]

Reakon huck got it right,the winter was hard on some less frost tolerant youg trees.

[Gnarlyoak]

My guess would be its got to be the result of a long cold winter with prolonged periods of sub zero temperatures.

When you think of where they would grow normally, in Southern Europe, they thrive in an environment with high temperatures and low rainfall!

[ukminch]

Has it been pollarded and how long ago?