Olive trees were sacred to many cultures including that of the ancient Greeks. According to old texts, abuse of some olive groves was strictly punished. The trees used for Olive Tree Boutique are no less protected now.

 

In Greece, the premiere source of high quality, farm-grown olive wood, the law allows harvesting only when a tree’s production of fruit and oil begins to wane.

 

Harvesting is often done simply by pruning the tree to stimulate new growth, not by cutting it down. Greek olive trees are monitored through satellite imagery by a special agency dedicated to the task. Every tree is registered. Every log is documented and tracked.

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As a result of this protection and the longevity of these nearly “immortal” trees, most trees are not touched until they are between 350 years and 700 years old.

 

This means that each tree has been cared for by generations of olive farmers, and that every plank comes from a tree that lived through some or all of the Renaissance.

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It is also important to note that many families of farmers depend on these trees, including the sale of wood, for their livelihood. 

 

We hope to help these farmers earn additional income to support their families and communities by working with them to create a product line that fully utilizes all the olive wood harvested each year.

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To learn more download the European commission directive - Life among the olives