Florida Palm Tree Trimming and Pruning
To insure the overall health and growth of your Florida Palm Trees, It is important to trim and prune them the right way. Improper pruning and trimming can have a devastating affect on them and as you can imagine it is costly to remove and replace an established palm tree.
Incorrect pruning can also transmit diseases such as “Fusarium Wilt“. It can cause the tree to reduce vermin needed for health. Palm trees can have problems during cold weather and excessive wind if not trimmed or pruned the right way.
When trimming palm trees, always remove the dead or damaged leaves, plus the fruit and flower stalks. How much to remove depends on if the tree has any nutrient deficiencies or it has none. If the palm tree is nutrient deficient, Do Not trim off leaves that are not completely dead. If it is not nutrient deficient and has a full canopy which is green from the top to bottom, Do Not remove new healthy leaves that are growing. It is important to prune as little as possible for proper growth.
When trimming more than one tree, If there are signs of diseases on a palm tree when trimming, always sterilize the tools used before pruning the next tree. This will avoid transmitting the disease to the other trees. I recommend using Pine-Sol® to clean and disinfect the tools with a brush. Simply, fill a bucket with water and Pine-Sol®.
The active ingredient in the Original Pine-Sol® Brand Cleaner is real pine oil. It’s the pine oil that gives this product its amazing cleaning power. A good ratio is, (2-parts Pine-Sol®, to 1-part water). Just scrub the tools you used such as a chainsaw or pruning shears excessively covering all areas that came in contact with the tree.
You should never trim off live leaves that are on an angle originating above the horizon. In other words… imagine a horizontal line from 9:00 to 3:00. When removing leaves, cut the bases close to the trunk but not so close to where it is into the trunk which will damage the tree. Never pull or tare off leaves by hand that come off easily because it can cause wounds on the trunk making points of entry for diseases. However, The Boots should be pulled off and not cut using a chainsaw for this can damage the trunk.
It is always important to trim palm trees only when needed for constant pruning and trimming can cause damage. Constant trimming leads to weakening of the tree and can eventually cause it to die.
Do Not have a mass removal of healthy green fronds even if it seems more convenient so one does not have to prune it for a long time again. Plus, never use climbing spikes to climb up the tree. They leave holes which will only make it easier and more acceptable for diseases and insects to get inside the tree.
With proper trimming of Palm Trees will result in a healthy and attractive Florida Palm tree.
Kurt.
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Florida Palm Tree Care and Fertilization
Palm trees are a large part of today’s Florida landscape. Palms are used as a focal piont from residential to commercial properties. They can be seen along roads used by every county in the state. What would Florida theme parks be without them. Palm trees are what Florida is known for. When people see pictures of palm trees they naturally think of Florida.
Unfortunatelymany types of palm trees have problems with nutrient deficiencies. One reason is some of the most widely used are not native from (to) Florida. As it is the soil is mostly sand and poor in nutrients. When palm trees become mature they require the proper nutrients to stay healthy.
Fertilization:
Palm trees require proper fertilization to receive the correct balance of nutrients needed for overall heath and vigor. When fertilized on a regular basis following the right program they should get enough of what they need. And not become nutrient deficient. It can take quite some time bounce back if left untreated. it can take two or three years to return to normal if seriously neglected.
Established mature palm trees require a complete granular fertilizer formulated just for palms. Treat 3-4 times a year at a rate of 5-8 PDS. per tree (Depending on size) at each application. If done only once or twice a year it won’t help the tree at all. Newly planted trees can receive less, 1-2 PDS. depending upon the size of the palm. Until they reach a mature level.
Palm fertilizers that are specially made for them contain the proper nutrients needed. They should contain all essential major and minor elements. palm trees need sufficient amounts of Nitrogen, Potassium, Iron, Magnesium and Manganese to stay healthy.
It is recommended to use a slow (controlled) release fertilizer. Using a fertilizer with an analysis of
8-2-12, or 8-10-10, or 6-6-6 should be sufficient.
The best way to apply granular fertilizer for palms is to broadcast it. Spread it evenly underneath the canopy (leaf spread) starting a 1/2 foot away from the trunk and spreading it out to the leaf spread. Do Not pile it up against the trunk itself where new roots can be damaged. Do the best you can if there is limited space around the palm tree, due to it’s location in the landscape, make sure the palm fertilizer is watered in after application following guidelines on the fertilizer label.
By following the right program on a timely basis will ensure your palm trees to be healthy and live a long time. Beautiful palms are essential part of any Florida landscape, and brings out the natural beauty of the state for everyone to enjoy.
Kurt Kmetz
