If you have a palm tree in your garden, chances are that it spawns pups, sometimes in large numbers. Pups are small palm trees that usually start growing close to the mature mother tree. In most cases, they are difficult to miss.
Removing palm pups can be a daunting task. It needs careful consideration, especially when it comes to properly disposing of the removed pups, as it can have a negative environmental impact. Taking these steps will help you to safely remove palm pups from your garden.
1. Know the Breeding Patterns
Different varieties of palm trees have different breeding patterns. Knowing the breeding behaviour of the palm tree that you have in your garden is essential for determining the best time for removing pups. What might be the right time for one type of palm might not be the same for another.
Generally speaking, most palms flowers generally during the month of August. After the flowers have bloomed, the palm forms a fruit that soon ripens and becomes bright yellow. From this ripened fruit, pups begin to emerge. These should be removed immediately as they can quickly get out of control and become too big.
2. Gathering the Tools That You Need
Before commencing to remove the pups, make sure that you have all of the right tools at your disposal. A spade will be necessary for gently digging around the pup without damaging the mother tree. It is recommended to use a hand-held spade as opposed to one on a stick.
You will also need a wheelbarrow so that you can wheel the pup away from the garden and dispose of it properly. Remember, always dispose of the pup in the right way, such as in the green waste bin.
3. Pruning the Pup
Before removal, you will need to prune the pup. That means cutting off the top of the pup, as close to the base as possible. Doing this will ensure that the pup regrows slowly and in an orderly manner, making sure that the mother tree remains healthy.
When you prune the pup, make sure that you leave a portion of the root attached to the pup. This is important because it will help to prevent too much damage to the root system.
4. Digging Out the Pup
Using a hand-held spade, softly dig up and around the pup. The goal here is to keep the pup intact, so be extremely careful. You should also work slowly, taking your time to make sure everything is done properly and without any damage to the mother tree.
Once the root system is clear, take the wheelbarrow and wheel the pup away and dispose of it in a responsible manner.
5. Clean Up
Once the pup is removed, it’s time to clean up. Palm trees tend to have a lot of residues and can be susceptible to pests and diseases. So, now that the pup has been removed, it is important to get rid of any residues around the base of the mother tree, such as fallen leaves and fruit. If you’re lucky, some of these will have already been cleared away by the wheelbarrow.
Using a soft, dry cloth, gently clean up the area, wiping away any residues and leveling the soil around the mother tree. This will prevent any molds or fungi from developing and will help to keep the palm tree healthy.
6. Provide Nourishment
Now that the pup has been removed, it is important to give the mother tree the nutrients it needs to stay healthy. Using a slow-release fertilizer, such as one for acid-loving plants, feed the soil around the base of the tree. This will ensure that it has the nourishment it needs to remain strong.
You should also water the soil around the tree so that the fertilizer has the right environment to do its job.
7. Monitor Progress
Once you have removed the pup and provided the mother tree with food, it is important to keep an eye on its progress. Palm trees can be susceptible to pests and diseases, so it is important to keep an eye on it and regularly check the soil for signs of damage or disturbance.
Make sure to clean up any fallen fruit or leaves to prevent the tree from becoming too dry and susceptible to disease.
8. Act Quickly
Pups can quickly get out of control and can become too big for their own good. As such, it is important to act quickly and remove the pups as soon as you can. The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to remove them.
Also, the sooner you remove the pup, the sooner the mother tree will be able to recover from the stunted growth that new pups can cause. Leaving the pups on the mother tree for too long can cause irreversible damage.
Conclusion
Removing palm tree pups can be a difficult and daunting process, but it doesn’t have to be. As long as you take the right steps and use the right tools, you can easily and safely remove the pups without any damage to the mother tree or the environment.
