Be water wise

How often do I need to water an olive tree in a terracotta pot? Q Can we prune our skinny palm?

Q AI’m afraid it’s impossible to say with any real certainty. Variables such as the weather, the plant’s size, the compost used, the pot’s size, shape, and position all have a bearing. However, olives are fairly resistant to drought, so require less watering than other potted plants. Just be sure to keep the compost moist in spring and summer and allow it to get drier in winter (but never bone dry).

AThis fine-looking trachycarpus will continue to get taller but I’m afraid it won’t increase in girth. Removing the foliage at the top won’t encourage it to branch so it’s best to leave it alone.

If it’s a bit thin and flagpolelike, why not plant another, smaller trachycarpus at its base or perhaps a clump of phormium to balance the look?