Unmown olive grove: all the benefits for garden sustainability

The soil in olive groves is very often maintained through periodic cultivation, which involves tilling the soil and removing weeds. However, traditional techniques have numerous disadvantages for the soil and the crop, while the more sustainable practice of grass cover is proving increasingly successful. A grass-covered olive grove, in fact, has numerous advantages: it helps protect the soil from erosion, increases the soil's moisture retention capacity, and also ensures greater fertility.

The advantages of having a grass-covered olive grove with alternative grasses

Choosing to plant alternative grass seedlings brings numerous benefits for soil health, olive tree fertility, and the sustainability of the entire system.

For example, if the soil is covered with grass, it is possible to keep the area around the olive trees clear without the presence of tall grass: the available space can be used for other purposes, achieving better space optimization, such as creating a children's play area, a parking area or a relaxation area.

Maintenance also becomes easier, as far fewer mowings are needed, except during the months following planting, when we recommend mowing a few more times to control weeds and stimulate the horizontal growth of the grass. However, after this initial phase, 2 to 6 mowings per year will be sufficient, carried out during periods of greatest growth, to keep the grass tidy.

Finally, the area maintained in this way is much tidier and more resistant to foot traffic. It also makes it more convenient to harvest the olives, facilitating the placement of tarpaulins, as there are no obstacles on the grass.

It is good to know that grasses do not affect olive tree productivity and, on the contrary, if one of the chosen varieties is also bee-friendly, it will be very useful for pollination by attracting bees.

The most suitable low-water-use grass varieties

The low-water-use grass varieties most recommended for grass-covered olive groves are those that are resistant to foot traffic.

Verbena hybrida is a graceful and hardy groundcover that creates a flowering lawn for much of the year. To grow vigorously, it needs full sun exposure. It withstands drought exceptionally well with very little maintenance, as well as salt spray and heavy foot traffic, and is even considered moderately drivable.

Lippia nodiflora is a perennial groundcover with white flowers that adapts very well to arid climates. It grows vigorously in full sun, flowers for much of the year – from April to October – and has excellent resistance to salt spray. Lippia is also immune to even heavy foot traffic and can be considered moderately drivable. Among low-water-use plants, it is the only bee-friendly one, and is therefore suitable for enriching an olive grove, thanks to its ability to attract bees for pollination.

All other alternative grass varieties can be added in smaller proportions to Lippia or Verbena lawns, so as to enrich the soil and contribute to sufficient biodiversity.

Rainwater harvesting for olive grove maintenance

In sloping areas, good stormwater management can be achieved by creating small depressions that follow the contours. This technique, which we also use in other types of gardens on sloping sites, helps slow down the flow of rainwater, and therefore collect water from sudden downpours. These natural water reserves allow us to limit emergency irrigation and use fewer water resources for garden maintenance.

Rainwater harvesting can be carried out using several techniques, chosen based on the characteristics of the garden. You can learn more about the subject by reading the article dedicated to rainwater management.