The Olive Tree – Beautiful – But Banned In Tucson.

Many years ago, people moved to Arizona for health reasons – the climate was said to help those struggling with many ailments – especially those with asthma, allergies, etc.

Many years ago, residents also had lush lawns, and planted thriving shady trees such as the mulberry and olive trees – they are very bushy trees and provide lots of shade. The first home I ever bought had the most beautiful mulberry tree and I loved it! But these trees also pollenate and cause issues with air quality – and some say the mess that the olive trees make when the olives fall just adds to the problem.

It must have been a big problem because in 1984 the city of Tucson imposed a law that banned Bermuda grass, mulberry trees and olive trees. And this is one of the reasons when you come to visit Tucson – you will see the same type of trees, cactus and rock yards all over! (Just one of the reasons – the others of course are you’ll see plants that can survive the extreme temps and are low care.)

Looking around a home yesterday that is being readied for listing, the backyard was beautiful – lots of flowers, plants and something I had not seen in a while – a few olive trees. Two of them were already showing signs of olives and green leaves.

Looking at them – I couldn’t help but think that it’s too bad they are banned because here in a month or so – they are sure going to be beautiful!