They have very deep-reaching roots, which allows them to reach water well below ground, and can help them flourish even through drought conditions. Their leaves also have a thick, waxy coating, which helps the plant avoid losing the water that it needs to live.
Olive trees, like most plants, can be very damaged by extreme cold temperatures, but are especially vulnerable as they do better in warm places. Also like most plants, they are often harmed by small animals like rabbits and mice, as well as pests. One particularly damaging pest is olive fruit flies, which tend to lay their eggs and cause issues for the trees in the autumn, right before their fruit needs to be harvested. Overall though, olive trees are not a species we are very worried about, as they are resilient and have been an important part of Mediterranean life, culture, and food practices for a very long time!
