Planting Offer A Good Start
When it comes to saving a palm tree, the best thing to do is to give it a good start in the right environment. To start, the palm tree should be transplanted, not bought in an already planted state. Transplanting requires digging out the tree and its root system, setting it in a wheelbarrow, and wheeling it away to its new destination. Moreover, when moving the palm tree, it should be ensure that the root ball is kept intact so that it will not dry out.
Once the tree is at its new home, it must be planted correctly in an area with adequate light and well-draining soil. It is important to have a mixture of soil that is good for drainage and nutrients, and to dig a hole that is at least twice the size of the root ball. The rootball should also be placed slightly higher than the ground, to ensure the base and trunk will not accumulate water.
Proper Watering Prevents Damage
Maintaining the proper balance of moisture helps to keep the tree healthy and prevent it from dying. An important aspect of this is that the soil must stay moist but not over-saturated. In addition, when it comes to a mature palm tree, water should reach the root system and not just the base of the trunk. If a tree is too wet, it can cause deformed, unhealthy leaves, as well as fungal growth, root rot, and die-back.
Watering should be done on a regular basis, without fail. During the hot summer months, the tree should be watered deeply twice a week. In the winter, the frequency should decrease significantly, to once every two weeks or even less.
Fertilizing & Pruning Are Necessary
Fertilizing is another important factor for the health of the palm tree, as it is necessary to feed the tree and replenish its energy. Therefore, fertilizer should be applied on a routine basis, once or twice a year. It should not be applied directly to the soil, but rather in a wetted-up circle around the base, just beyond the area of the trunk where the leaves begin.
Lastly, regular pruning is needed to remove any dead fronds or flowers. This helps the tree maintain its shape and prevent a build-up of old, dead material. The best time to prune is when the palm tree is dormant, which is typically during cooler weather.
Heed Outdoor Pests
Outdoor pests can cause serious damage to a palm tree. These pests can include aphids, whiteflies, and mites, which all require specific solutions. For example, aphids feed on the tree’s sap and can spread disease, so they should be removed with a hose attachment or neem oil. On the other hand, mites and whiteflies can be treated with an insecticidal soap, foliar spray, or an insecticidal oil.
It is also important to be aware of any animals that may be damaging the tree. Squirrels, raccoons, and birds can damage the leaves, bark, and roots of the tree, so protective barriers should be set up around the tree.
Handle Weather Activity With Care
When it comes to the weather, protecting a palm tree is essential. If it is windy, the structure of the tree can take a beating, so a strong stake should be planted next to the tree and its fronds should be secured with rope. If a storm hits, branches and leaves may be torn off or bent, but they should never be pruned in a storm. Instead, the broken branches should be cut off when the storm has passed.
The same goes for extreme heat, which can stress the tree and cause leaves to dry out and sulk. In this case, shade cloths should be used, insulation should be put around the rootball, and more frequent watering should be carried out.
Gain Support from Professionals
When trying to save a palm tree, it is always best to seek support from experts. A professional arborist or a team from a palm tree removal and repair company can assess the tree and go through the necessary steps to save it. An arborist and/or a qualified tree care worker will be able to provide the most accurate information and advice.
Furthermore, having an experienced worker come out to assess the tree brings other benefits. For example, the arborist will be able to provide local recommendations and check for pests or conditions that are specific to the region, such as oak root rot.
Manage Risk Of Disease
Unfortunately, even after doing all the right things, a palm tree can still become infected with pests or disease. In this case, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Taking a sample and having a diagnosis can help to identify what type of pest or pathogen is causing the issue. Once the issue is identified, a treatment plan can be developed and updated regularly as needed.
A preventative maintenance plan may also be useful in these cases. This plan should include measures that help to protect the tree from being infected, such as spraying and treating the soil, as well as regular pruning and soil health checks.
Provide Supportive Landscaping
Placing the palm tree in an area with an appropriate environment and supportive surroundings is essential. Sufficient water, enriched soil, and other plants with similar characteristics can help to create an ideal situation. These include plants that need similar light and water as the palm tree, as well as plants that help to deter pests.
In addition, using hardscaping elements, such as patios and pathways, can help to protect the palm tree from wind and heavy rain, as well as from foot traffic. Moreover, it can help to create a visual barrier around the tree.
Inspect Regularly for Progress
Finally, palm trees need to be inspected regularly, to ensure that all necessary steps have been taken to save them. This includes looking for signs of disease, damage from pests, and over-watering or under-watering. By watching out for these signs and symptoms, any potential issues can be identified quickly and addressed immediately.
In addition, regular inspections allow tree care professionals to evaluate how well the tree is progressing and adjust the treatment plan, if necessary. In this way, the tree can receive the care and attention it needs, to continue to grow and flourish.
