Ancient Spanish Olive Tree Relocated to Salò Garden, Thriving After 350 Years

An olive tree from Spain, approximately 350 years old. A true record, as it sprouted around 1650. Last week, Mario Corti, a retired resident of Salò who lives, coincidentally, at via degli Olivi 15, installed it in his garden.

And for the past few days, a procession of friends and neighbors has begun arriving to see the “monument.” “The tree, imported last year from a nursery, adapted quickly to the mild climate of Garda,” explains Corti, brother of the late social democratic deputy Bruno -. New branches have sprouted, demonstrating that it is alive and thriving. It will bear fruit again in 2002.”

Characteristics and Transport of the Olive Tree

A majestic specimen, with a circumference of over two meters and a weight of 6.5 tons. “For the transport, they used two cranes,” continues Corti. “Then, with an excavator, the hole was marked out, two meters by two. Finally, we leveled the surface with 25 bags of soil. This olive tree cost me quite a bit of money, but it is worth it.”

“I have always considered it the most beautiful tree,” says Corti. “It doesn’t cast much shade and is evergreen. Its roots do not go deep but spread laterally, like hair.” Is there a risk that it might not take root?

“No, there is no danger. Experts assure us that, imported from Andalusia in 2000, it has had enough time to acclimate to the lake environment.” For its relocation and final placement, there could be no more emblematic location: from Spain to Campoverde di Salò, on via degli Olivi, a small private road that someone suggests could be called via dell’Olivo.”