Olive tree price in Australia typically runs from tens of dollars for a small potted tree to several thousand dollars for a mature specimen (indicative — nurseries set their own prices). Size, age, pot or bag volume and delivery are the main drivers, and planting labour in Sydney adds about $75 an hour.
This guide covers olive tree price by size, city and variety, what affects the cost, and the conditions your tree needs to thrive.
Key points
- A real olive tree costs from a modest amount in a small pot to thousands of dollars for a mature tree (indicative — compare nursery prices).
- The biggest olive tree price driver is size and age, followed by delivery and the equipment needed to place a large tree.
- The cheapest option is a small potted tree that you grow on for a few seasons.
- DIY planting suits small and medium trees; book a gardener or arborist for large trees, heavy lifting or pruning above head height.
Olive tree price: price table
Prices below are indicative because nurseries, varieties and seasons differ. Labour uses the verified Sydney gardener rate, incl GST (October 2026).
| Tree type | Plant price | Planting labour | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small potted olive tree | $30 to $90 (indicative) | About 1 hour at $75 (typical rate) | Easiest to plant yourself. |
| Medium bagged olive tree | $150 to $450 (indicative) | 1 to 2 hours at $75 per hour (typical rate) | Suits garden beds and large pots. |
| Large advanced olive tree | $450 to $1,500 (indicative) | 2 to 4 hours at $75 per hour (typical rate) | May need two people to lift. |
| Mature olive trees (10 year old olive tree or older) | $1,500 to $6,000 or more (indicative) | Quote only, plus machinery (indicative) | Often needs a crane or truck access. |
| Annual pruning by a professional | $230 to $1,375 per tree | Included | Typical $520 per tree, incl GST. |
Olive tree price by city
Sydney is the verified base for labour. Other capitals vary with freight, nursery supply and climate, so treat these notes as indicative.
| City | How it compares (indicative) | What moves the price |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney | Labour at $52 to $115 per hour, incl GST | Humid summers, clay soils and delivery to steep blocks |
| Melbourne | Often similar for plants; check local nurseries | Cooler winters and strong demand in spring |
| Brisbane | Often similar; fewer olive specialists | Humidity, so choose disease-tolerant stock |
| Perth | Often lower for olives, which suit the climate | Sandy soils and bore water |
| Adelaide | Often lower for olives, which suit the climate | Good local supply from groves |
What affects olive tree price
- Age and size: a 10 year old olive tree can cost many times a small potted tree, because the grower has carried it for years (indicative).
- Pot or bag volume: bigger root balls cost more to grow, transport and plant, and they need deeper holes.
- Variety: Kalamata and other named fruiting cultivars often cost more than a plain ornamental olive tree.
- Form: a clipped standard or multi-stem feature tree sells for more than a natural-shaped one.
- Delivery and access: steep drives, narrow side gates or needing a crane can add hundreds of dollars (indicative).
- Labour: planting and mulching at about $75 per hour, and a pruning visit of $230 to $1,375 per tree.
- Season: autumn and spring planting seasons are busy, while off-season trees can be cheaper.
Olive tree Kalamata and other varieties
Choose the variety first, because it decides fruit, size and how well the tree suits Sydney’s humid summers.
| Variety | Best use | Size (indicative) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kalamata (kalamata olives tree) | Table olives | Medium to large | Check whether the nursery tag lists it as a fruiting selection. |
| Manzanillo and similar table types | Table olives | Medium to large | Fruit needs curing before eating, so research the method first. |
| Frantoio and similar oil types | Oil and feature trees | Medium to large | Popular in garden centres. |
| Olive tree small (dwarf or potted forms) | Pots and courtyards | Compact, if pruned | Choose a labelled compact form. |
| Olive tree large (specimen) | Feature tree | Large when mature | Needs space; check council tree rules for removal later. |
Do olive trees need full sun? Conditions and soil for olive trees
Olives are Mediterranean trees, so a hot, bright, dry-ish position gives the best growth and fruit.
- Do olive trees like full sun? Yes, full sun for most of the day gives strong growth and better olives on the tree.
- Choose free-draining soil; in heavy western Sydney clay, plant on a mound or in a raised bed.
- Soil for olive trees can be sandy, loamy or gravelly, as long as water does not sit around the roots.
- Protect young trees from hard frost in cold western suburbs and the Blue Mountains.
- Water deeply but infrequently, following Sydney Water’s Water Wise Guidelines: before 10 am or after 4 pm.
- Mulch lightly, keeping it away from the trunk, and avoid overfeeding with high-nitrogen fertilisers.
Olive trees Australia: real olive tree vs artificial
| Feature | Real olive tree | Artificial olive tree |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Lower for small trees, higher for mature ones | Fixed price, no growing costs |
| Ongoing cost | Water, feeding and pruning | Dusting and replacement |
| Life span | Many decades with care | Fades in sun and needs replacing |
| Fruit and habitat | Produces olives and supports birds | None |
| Best for | Gardens and large pots | Shaded spots and indoor styling |
DIY vs hiring a pro for your olive tree
| Factor | DIY | Hire a pro |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Plant, soil and mulch only | Plant plus labour at about $75 per hour |
| Best suited to | Small and medium trees | Large trees, heavy lifting and pruning |
| Safety | Risk of back strain and falls from ladders | Trained crew, correct equipment |
| Pruning | Light shaping from the ground | Structural cuts and high branches |
| Rules | You check council tree rules | You can ask the crew to check approval needs |
| Result | Depends on skill and tools | Consistent finish and clean-up |
How to save on an olive tree without cutting corners
- Buy a smaller tree and grow it on, because a young potted tree costs far less than an advanced one.
- Compare three nurseries and ask for the botanical name and pot size on each quote.
- Plant in autumn or spring, when watering needs drop and the tree settles faster.
- Prepare the hole and soil yourself, and pay for lifting only if the tree is too heavy.
- Prune lightly every year instead of paying for a large restructure later.
- Combine planting with other garden work in one visit to reduce call-out time.
What a fair olive tree quote should include
- The tree’s botanical name or variety, plus pot size or age in writing.
- Itemised price for the plant, soil, mulch, stakes and any delivery fee.
- Access, machinery or crane costs if the tree is too large to carry.
- Removal of pots, soil and green waste, stated as included or extra.
- Warranty on workmanship and the nursery’s plant replacement policy.
- Insurance details and licence numbers for any specialist work.
FAQ: olive tree price questions
How much does a real olive tree cost?
A real olive tree costs from a modest amount for a small potted tree to several thousand dollars for a mature specimen (indicative — nurseries set their own prices). Size, age and delivery matter most, and planting labour in Sydney adds about $75 per hour.
Do olive trees need full sun?
Yes. Olive trees grow best in full sun and free-draining soil. In shade they grow thin, fruit poorly and are more prone to problems. Plant on a mound in clay, and protect young trees from frost.
How big is a 10 year old olive tree?
Size varies by variety, soil and pruning (indicative — check the nursery label or ask the grower). A 10 year old olive tree is usually a substantial feature tree, so plan space, access and lifting before you buy.
Can I prune my olive tree myself?
You can shape small trees from the ground in late winter or early spring. Do not use a chainsaw above head height or work near power lines. Book a qualified arborist for tall trees, and check council rules first.
Getting your olive tree planted or pruned in Sydney
If you would rather not lift and dig, we can plant, mulch and prune your olive tree and remove the green waste. Read our what vegetables to plant now guide for seasonal ideas, or book tree pruning in Sydney for an itemised quote.
