Palm Tree Trimming
Palm Tree Trimming And Pruning
To insure the overall health and growth of your palm trees, it is important to trim and prune them the right way. Improper palm tree trimming can have a devastating affect and will severely injure the tree.
If trimming palm trees is done incorrectly diseases such as “Fusarium Wilt” can be transmitted. It can cause the tree to reduce vermin needed for health. Palm trees will have problems during the winter if pruning palm trees is not done the right way.
Proper Palm Tree Trimming
Palm tree trimming should be restricted only to the removal of damaged leaves, yellowing or dead leaves, flower and seed clusters. Remove as little as possible if the palm tree has no deficiencies, and has a full green canopy right down from the bottom. If nutrient deficiencies exist, do not remove any leaves that are not completely dead.
Always remove no more healthy leaves than will be produced between prunings ( palms put on an average of one new frond per month during the growing season ). Mass removal is not healthy for palm trees, when mass removal is done about 80% of the food producing leaf area is removed. It is important when palm tree trimming is done to trim as little as possible ( even if it seems more convenient to do mass removal, so trimming does not have to be done again until 6 to 12 months ). Palm tree trimming should be done only when it is needed.
When Doing Palm Tree Trimming
During palm tree trimming 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, for this can make the tree susceptible to diseases.
Never pull or tear off leaves by hand that come off easily, because it can cause wounds on the trunk also making points of entry for diseases. However, the Boots should be pulled off and not cut using a chainsaw for this can also damage the trunk. Never use climbing spikes to climb up the tree, they leave holes which makes the palm tree more susceptible for diseases and insects.
Palm Tree Trimming When Diseases Are Present
If there are signs of diseases on a palm tree when trimming, always sterilize the tools used before palm tree trimming is done on 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.
Many times trimming palm trees is done incorrectly. It often leads to problems that can eventually destroy the tree. It is very costly to remove or replace established palm trees. Proper palm tree trimming will keep palms growing healthy, giving that tropical appearance in a landscape.
Kurt Kmetz
Palm Tree Care
Florida Palm Tree Care And Fertilization
Palm trees are a large part of today’s Florida landscape. Palms are used as a focal point from residential to commercial properties. Proper palm tree care is essential in having successful healthy palm trees. Unfortunately many types of palm trees have problems from lack of nutrition.
Fertilizing Palm Tree Care
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 will get the proper nutrients needed. It can take quite some time to bounce back if left untreated. It can take two or three years to return to normal if seriously neglected. It is recommended to fertilize palm trees in the spring, summer, and fall. Palm tree care from fertilization assures good growth.
Established mature palm trees require a complete granular palm fertilizer, 3-4 times a year at a rate of 5-8 PDS. per tree (Depending on size) at each application. If done only once 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 fertilizer that is specially made for palm trees contain the proper nutrients needed. It 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 palm fertilizer for palm tree care. Using a fertilizer with an analysis of 8-2-12, 8-10-10 should be sufficient.
The best way to apply granular fertilizer for palm trees is to broadcast it. When fertilizing palm trees spread it evenly underneath the canopy (leaf spread) starting one foot away from the trunk and spreading it out to and around 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 is important for proper palm tree care.
By following the right program of fertilizer for palm trees on a timely basis will ensure your palm trees to be healthy. Having the tropical look in a landscape adds to the total appearance of any place or home. With the right palm tree care you will have beautiful looking trees for a long time.
Kurt Kmetz
