 Introduction
We can't control the weather that our palm trees have to
live with but we can make them strong enough to deal with our climate.
As far as growing palms is concerned, the Southeast is blessed with
a long, hot, rainy summer. Most palms will grow well only when daytime
temperatures are between about 80" and 95 degrees F. Our long,
hot summers mean that palms planted in mid-spring will have five
or six months to become established before the onset of frost. Help
your palms get established by lightly fertilizing them at planting
time, and by keeping them well watered during the hottest part of
the summer.
Palms require little maintenance during the growing season. In
most areas of the Southeast, the season of rapid growth for palms
coincides with the arrival of high temperatures in the mid-eighties.
This season runs from about May-June through September-October.
In Florida, one rule of thumb for fertilizing palms is one-half
pound of fertilizer for every 2 feet of trunk height, applied 3-4
times per year. However, this very high rate of fertilization is
not necessary in our area, given our heavier soils and shorter growing
season. One or two applications at the rate of 1/4 pound per 2 feet
of trunk should be sufficient.
Watering
Most palms will tolerate some drought. In the Southeast, however,
it is a good idea to keep your palms well-watered during their period
of rapid growth. Doing so will help the palms put on new, vigorous
growth, and will help ensure a stronger plant going into the winter.
In the absence of adequate rainfall, soaking the ground around the
palm thoroughly once a week should suffice. Keeping the ground constantly
waterlogged is unnecessary and in the case of certain species, will
result in the death of the plant.
Pruning
The only pruning that most palms need is occasional removal of dead
fronds. The growing bud of a palm should not be pruned. Palm trunks
cannot grow new buds and pruning the bud could result in injury
or death to the plant. The natural growth habit of palms does not
allow them to be maintained at a constant height.
Fertilizing
Most landscape palms will require fertilization once or twice during
the growing season. Not just any fertilizer will do, however. Palm
trees have special needs that must be met with specially formulated
fertilizers that target specific nutrient deficiencies. Homeowners
should also apply regular maintenance fertilizers to healthy trees.
More Important Stuff!!
Puncture Wounds Never Heal!
Do not use nails or screws to attach lights or signs to the trunk.
Do not use climbing spikes to climb any tree
Do not use a machete to remove fronds as an overstrike will wound
the trunk of the tree. One must be very careful using a chain saw
for the same reason.
Do not use String Trimmers to trim away grass from the trunk. Use
mulch to keep grass away. String Trimmers can slowly remove the
bark from the base of the tree.
Do not plant in openings in concrete or black top of less than six
feet in diameter.
Do not place sprinklers close to the trunk of a palm.
Do use Manganese Sulfate to treat a frizzle topped palm.
For more information write the Southeastern Palm and Exotic Plant
Society, c/o Will Roberds, 2652 Woodbridge Drive, Dacatur, GA 30033. |
