Palm trees are one of Florida’s favorite landscape plants. They add a vertical element to a landscape plan, give it texture and tropical flair. And, they thrive in our climate. Lawn care services often utilize these visually striking plants to give that distinctly Florida look to a yard. Palm trees aren’t terribly fussy, but like any valuable tree, they do take a little care to really flourish. If you have palm trees, read on to learn how to best care for them and avoid some common and costly mistakes.
Climate
Even if you live in Florida, don’t think you can choose just any old palm tree. Some fair better in drier parts of the state, and others need more moisture. Some are suited for the northern reaches of the state, while others will be unhappy if planted more than a few minutes north of Dade County.
Talk to your residential lawn care specialists, local nursery folks and your neighbors about which varieties grow best where you live. Remember, the microclimate next to the Indian River isn’t exactly same as what you’ll find at the beach. It pays to ask around.
Soil
The soils from one area to another won’t be the same either. However, here in Florida you can count on the soil to be fairly sandy and not terribly rich. Your palm trees will need decent soil mixed into the planting hole to encourage root growth and strength. Since palm roots aren’t excessively deep, it’s important for them to be extra-strong to withstand seasonal storms and winds.
Amend your soil before you plant. Mix in a high-quality peat moss (Canadian works well) to help feed and anchor the plant to the soil. If your soil is heavy (clay-ridden) you should add a little sand too. Avoid packaged soils with fertilizer (more on this in a moment).
Water
One of the best things you can give your palm tree is water. One of the worst things you can give you palm tree is also water. Overwatering is one of the top killers of all plants, and palm trees are no exception.
To prevent overwatering, make sure the soil has good drainage. If you’ve amended with sand and peat moss, you should be in good shape. The soil should be moist (but not wet or soggy) down to the roots of the tree the morning after a watering. Puddles have no place around a palm! If you’re under-watering, the tips of the leaf will turn brown.
Fertilizer
The roots of a palm tree can be easily damaged. It’s important not to over-fertilize. Don’t use soils with fertilizer when you plant your palm. In fact, don’t fertilize it at all for the first 3 or 4 months. Let the roots develop first and get a professional to help you gauge the amount and type of fertilizer to use so you don’t burn the roots.
Improper maintenance
It’s common to have “professionals” knock on your door offering hurricane pruning and other maintenance services as the season approaches. Stick to your regular lawn care service folks. A too-severe pruning will actually leave the plant more vulnerable to storm damage.
Give your palm trees the TLC they deserve and they’ll last for years and years. Contact Slug-A-Bug to help with your palm tree & shrub care in Brevard County, FL.