La Poda: The Winter Ritual of Hand Pruning at Domaine JEMM
As soon as the autumn harvest concludes in late November and the last olives leave the branches for the mill, a unique atmosphere takes over the olive grove at Pla de Martís. The days shorten, the cold settles over the Catalan plateau, and the winter silence is embraced by the northern wind. At this exact moment begins the most demanding and poetic period of the agronomic year: la Poda (the pruning of the olive trees).
For more than three months, from late November until the first hints of spring in late February or early March, we walk every row of trees, shears and saws in hand.
Precise Hand Pruning
La poda cannot be improvised. Each olive tree possesses its own structure, shaped by years, wind, and sunlight. Pruning is conducted exclusively by hand, tree by tree.
The goal is to open up the canopy center to allow sunlight to reach inner branches, eliminate dead or weakened wood, and direct the growth of future fruiting shoots. It is a demanding, physical labor where every cut impacts next year's harvest.
The Art of Stacking Branches
As the cutting progresses, branches fall onto the ground. Rather than leaving them scattered, we apply a strict method: branches are gathered by hand into neat piles aligned in the center of the inter-rows.
This methodical grouping serves a dual purpose:
- Clearing the tree base to let the soil breathe and facilitate equipment passage.
- Optimizing the mulching process, preparing uniform piles for the shredder to feed smoothly and efficiently, minimizing fuel use and processing time.
Shredding and Returning to the Soil: Closing the Cycle
Once the piles are set, the shredder comes into action. The branches are converted into a fine, fragrant wood mulch, which is immediately spread directly onto the olive grove soil.
At Domaine JEMM, zero plant waste leaves the estate. The wood mulch forms a protective natural blanket (ramial wood mulch / BRF) providing invaluable benefits:
- Humus Enrichment: As it slowly decomposes under soil microfauna and fungi action, the wood returns organic matter, nitrogen, and carbon accessible to roots.
- Moisture Preservation: The mulch reduces water evaporation during hot Mediterranean summer months.
- Erosion Control: It shields topsoil from heavy spring rains.
A Ritual of Patience and Respect
Working in the olive grove in the heart of winter, when morning frost coats the grass and low evening sun illuminates the olive bark, is a humbling experience. From late November to early March, la poda is the intimate encounter between the grower and their trees.
As pruning concludes in early March, the estate is ready. The cut branches have returned to the earth, the olive trees are open to light, and nature can begin its next flowering cycle.