A year after reports that the Old Olive Tree in Mirovica (Bar) was drying out and at risk, good news has arrived – the tree is recovering. Thanks to intensive care, new shoots are now sprouting even from its oldest sections.
The Old Olive Tree is not only a natural but also a cultural monument, and one of Bar’s most significant symbols. This year, it celebrates its 2,250th anniversary. The tree is protected by law, and in 2020, the municipal authorities officially declared it a protected area. The park surrounding the tree was renovated in 2005 following a decision by the City Council of Bar.
In early 2023, concerns about the tree’s condition sparked debates among local residents, olive producers, and the wider public. At that time, it was under the management of the Cultural Center, which later transferred its care to the Bar Olive Growers Association. Representatives of the association claimed they had warned authorities four years earlier about the tree’s declining health, but their concerns had been ignored. Eventually, the Kuća Maslina company took over the management and restoration efforts.
For a long time, the tree had been exposed to severe stress due to various external and internal factors. However, experts now positively assess its condition, comparing it with previous seasons, and further measures are planned in the coming months to strengthen its health.
Scientific Efforts to Restore the Tree
Maria Markoč, Director of the House of Olives, agronomist, forensic expert in olive and oil production, Mediterranean fruit cultivation, and land reclamation, and a certified sommelier of extra virgin olive oils, told Vijesti that their efforts have yielded visible results – the tree’s health has significantly improved. She highlighted that signs of rejuvenation are evident through the emergence of new leaves and numerous side shoots near the tree’s base.
At the end of 2023 and the beginning of 2024, crucial work was carried out to drain surface and groundwater levels, implementing a new drainage system. In collaboration with agronomists from Croatia and leading specialists from the International Olive Council (Madrid), a comprehensive agrotechnical program was launched. This program included:
✅ Sanitary pruning
✅ Controlled crown protection
✅ Soil irrigation with biostimulants
✅ Stimulating the root system for revitalization
To improve soil composition, experts decided to dig the soil to a depth of 10 cm near the tree and 50 cm at the outer edges of the green zone. This intervention enhanced water and air balance in the soil, thanks to the addition of a mixture of humus and quartz sand. By early 2024, these measures resulted in an abundance of new young shoots sprouting from the tree.
Additionally, experts from the International Olive Council (Madrid) and the University of Córdoba participated in the tree’s restoration. In autumn 2024, university representatives personally visited the site to analyze the tree’s condition. Following their research, a plan of agrotechnical and auxiliary measures for 2025 was developed, along with genetic testing of the plant material. The results confirmed the authenticity of the tree’s variety and proved that the Old Olive Tree is unique, not only in Montenegro but across the entire Mediterranean region.
The Tree’s Natural Ability to Regenerate
Like other ancient olive trees, the Old Olive Tree has a strong ability to regenerate. By awakening dormant buds, experts have observed new shoots growing from its oldest sections, confirming its vitality and continued survival.
Future Plans and Protection Measures
Beyond agricultural and technical measures, in 2025, the House of Olives plans to implement several projects to commemorate the tree’s 2,250th anniversary, including:
🌿 Installing a digital totem
🌿 Creating an audio route “Through the Trails of Bar’s Olives”
🌿 Enhancing tourist infrastructure
These initiatives aim to expand the tree’s tourism potential, improve accessibility for people with limited mobility, and increase the level of protection for this ancient natural monument.
Thanks to a scientific approach and dedicated conservation efforts, the Old Olive Tree continues to thrive, and there is hope that this ancient tree will remain a source of pride for Bar and the entire region for many more years to come.
