During these months we set about trimming back the Olive trees. After trying out the more modern methods we have come to the conclusion that the old fashioned way is actually the best. So for the most part we use the kind of tools you would easily find on a farm a hundred years ago (if you could travel back in time to take a look that is).
However, this is not to say we don't occasionally break out the 'chainsaw on a stick' as we call it and of course use it to its full potential. Here you see Christopher (our son) wielding it to cut a rather awkward branch. Thank heavens he is so tall, (6'3") and strong as it is not a lightweight machine to have to lift. .
During the winter we are given permission by the authorities to burn the offcuts, this is strictly regulated so that accidents don't happen, (accidents such as forest fires). You would be so surprised how the green branches burn (thanks to the oil in the leaves etc) and I always keep my fires small and well watched, so we don't have the problem of flying embers.
Tree before trimming
We cut the uprights off the trees and create a circle within the middle so that sunlight can get in, to warm the trunk of the tree up during the summer months.
Tree after trimming
Below are a selection of photographs showing the work we do when clearing the land and trimming of the Olive Trees
We take off the thinner branches as they are easy to burn down on the terraces, the larger branches, anything above a couple of inches (6cm) in diameter are put to oneside as they are brought up to the house and cut up for burning in our log burner in the house. (waste not want not, they burn a treat and make the house lovely and warm in the process)
Have you ever wondered how your grandfather did the weeding before all those chemicals came onto the market. Well this is how, he dug them out, here two of my volunteers, Maddy and Chloe are using one of the most useful tools I have ever come across, the trusty Azada, to do just that.
Yes in the above picture you can see our 'chainsaw on a stick' lurking in the grass, but for the most part it just suns itself as most of those who have a go with it, find it too clumbersome to move in and out of the tree canopy. Thankfully Christopher has no such problems so he is our main go to guy when it comes to using it.
Toby my guardian angel (the brown dog) is always close by, supervising the work and chilling in the sun.
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