15 Stunning Olive Tree Landscaping Ideas

When we planted our first olive tree, I had no idea just how much character it would bring to the garden. With their silvery-green foliage, gnarled trunks, and laid-back Mediterranean vibe, olive trees are effortlessly elegant—and surprisingly easy to work with.

Whether you’ve got a sun-soaked patio or a wide open lawn, these timeless beauties can bring structure, softness, and year-round style to your space.

Here are 15 of my favorite olive tree landscaping ideas to help you turn your garden into a Mediterranean escape.

1. Surround Your Pool With Olive Trees for a Resort Feel

There’s something magical about the way olive trees soften the edges around a pool. Their silvery leaves shimmer in the sun, and they pair beautifully with water. Plant them in clusters or large pots, and surround the base with gravel or stone to complete the Mediterranean look.

2. Pair Olive Trees with Lavender for Color and Scent

This duo is hard to beat. Both love sun and dry soil, and together they create a low-maintenance, fragrant, and romantic garden. I like planting lavender in drifts around the base of my olive trees—it smells incredible and adds rich contrast to the silvery foliage.

3. Use Large Terracotta Pots for a Classic Look

If you want flexibility, go for potted olive trees. I use terracotta pots because they drain well and look timeless. Keep them on patios, by doors, or grouped around a seating area. Just make sure the pots are big enough to let the roots breathe.

4. Line a Driveway for an Elegant Entrance

A row of olive trees flanking your driveway adds instant sophistication. They grow slowly and stay neat, so they won’t overrun the space. I recommend spacing them evenly and using uplighting at night to highlight their twisted trunks.

5. Add Curb Appeal With a Front Yard Olive Tree

One well-placed olive tree can completely change the feel of a front garden. Plant it slightly off-center for a more natural look, and surround it with gravel or drought-tolerant plants like rosemary to keep things tidy and low-fuss.

6. Flank Your Front Door for a Warm Welcome

Twin potted olive trees by the front door are simple and elegant. I use matching pots and keep the trees clipped to maintain shape. They work especially well with Mediterranean or minimalist-style homes.

7. Use Olive Trees Along a Fence for Soft Screening

Instead of a wall of timber or panels, try planting olive trees along your fence. Over time, they form a soft screen that still lets light through. It’s a lovely way to add privacy while keeping your garden feeling open.

8. Anchor a Courtyard Patio with a Central Olive Tree

If you’ve got a courtyard space, make an olive tree your focal point. Whether in a pot or the ground, it adds old-world charm. I like to place a bistro table nearby and string up some lights—it instantly feels like a little escape.

9. Mix with Succulents for a Contemporary Feel

Succulents and olive trees are a surprisingly great match. I plant agave, aloe, and sedum around the base of my trees, then top the bed with gravel. It’s modern, low-maintenance, and looks fantastic year-round.

10. Edge Pathways or Beds for Subtle Structure

Smaller olive tree varieties work brilliantly as soft edging for paths or garden borders. Keep them pruned to maintain their shape and use them to create gentle divisions in your planting scheme.

11. Create a Backyard Olive Grove for Rustic Charm

If you’ve got the space, go all in. Planting several olive trees together creates a peaceful, almost ancient feel. I like arranging them in loose clusters and adding a gravel path and bench in the middle. It’s a lovely spot to unwind.

12. Combine with Italian Cypress for Drama

Want a true Mediterranean statement? Pair olive trees with tall, narrow Italian cypress. The contrast between feathery leaves and upright lines looks striking—especially along driveways or large walkways.

13. Let One Tree Steal the Show

Don’t underestimate the power of a single olive tree. I once planted one in a raised bed near the front of the house—and it completely transformed the space. Give it room to shine, and it will.

14. Line a Garden Pathway for an Inviting Stroll

Olive trees flanking a path create dappled light and a dreamy feel. Use young trees with open canopies and plant soft ground cover like creeping thyme or chamomile between them for added texture and scent.

15. Plant Against a Classic Fence for Countryside Charm

One of my favorite combos is olive trees set against an aged wooden fence. It feels relaxed and timeless. Add in a few Mediterranean herbs like thyme or sage at the base for that effortlessly natural look.

Clive’s Tips for Landscaping with Olive Trees

• Choose the right soil – Olive trees hate wet feet, so plant in well-draining soil or sandy compost if they’re in pots.

• Don’t overwater – These trees are drought-tolerant once established, and too much water is often worse than too little.

• Keep them pruned – A little pruning helps keep their shape tidy and promotes healthy growth.

• Use texture to complement – Gravel, terracotta, and stone pair perfectly with olive trees’ muted tones.

• Light them up at night – A well-placed spotlight on the trunk turns an olive tree into a nighttime focal point.

Whether you’re lining a driveway, creating a peaceful courtyard, or just placing a single olive tree in a pot, these trees bring timeless beauty and Mediterranean warmth to any garden. Give one a go—you’ll fall in love with its soft foliage, sculptural form, and relaxed character.