Well, that definitely could cause problems down the road when the tree is larger. I would think you would want it at least as far away as the radius of the ultimate drip line. Probably something more like 12-15-18 feet, not inches.

I guess your other option if you still wanted it really close, but no long-term root issues, might be some kind of a very large raised planter box.

where are you

what is the latin name of what you have..

and what is the patio made of ... describe the concrete process ... like 1/4 inch wishful thinking.. or a properly laid concrete pad???

and your basic soil type .. drainage etc ...

wake up man.. lol

ken

Sleepydad is it Olea europaea 'Wilsonii'? Or 'Swan Hill'? Any of these develop big trunks over time, for example my 'Wilsonii' trunks are over 18" in diameter and they are only in the ground 11 years, with irrigation. Olives do very well in containers as they can exist with fairly minimal root systems, and restricting water will slow growth considerably. There is a variety called 'Little Ollie' which grows to only about eight feet or so, which is a better choice if you have a small space. For a full-sized variety, Dennimmi's comments above are correct about the kind of space that you need to be considering.

Hi all -

Sorry, I thought I set up the forum to alert me via email of replies but it didn't. I thought I'd check in, and am just now reading your replies.

I'll check the tag for the Latin name. The patio is 3" thick stamped concrete. Soil is clay based. I live in a city called Rocklin which I'm told was named that because we're on a huge granite slab. Digging around the yard, I realize that they weren't joking. I have a couple of shovels and picks with busted handles to prove it. Drainage is a 3" pipe 90' to the curb. I have a Little Ollie in another part of my yard. I was hoping to add this full sized olive to add some height to my landscape and compliment my Mediterranean theme.

I’m wondering if you planted it that close and how did it turn out?