Spring Olive Tree Pruning in Tuscany

Each spring the hills of Tuscany and Umbria are filled with smoke as olive trees are pruned and the clippings are burned in anticipation of new growth. This occurs for about two months before the heavy rains begin and the region becomes as lush as the Irish countryside.

As the residents are enjoying the fresh oil from December's pressing you'll see ladders in trees and little piles like the ones in these pictures on every hillside while the farmers are busy preparing for the coming growing season.