Preparing the Palm Tree
Making sure the environment is suitable for the palm tree is the initial step to taking on the challenge of shaping it. This can be accomplished by providing the tree with ample space, moisture and sun exposure. When planting the palm tree, ensure that there is at least three to four feet between it and any other trees or plants, depending on the type and size of the palm tree. The soil should also be well-draining, as palms don’t thrive in overly wet soil.
Materials Needed
Chosen materials should be independently assessed by experts in order to ascertain their suitability for shaping a palm tree. Suitable options include rubber ties, plastic ties, wire, cable ties, and binder cords. Rubber ties provide a loose hold on the tree, allowing it to move naturally in the wind and grow without the risk of damage; whereas plastic ties can be tightened tightly and are good for maintaining straight shapes. Whereas for creating intricate shapes or designs, such as spirals, binder cords are the best option.
Trimming the Palm Tree
Once the materials and environment have been determined, the palm tree can be trimmed, which is essential for shaping it. During trimming, it is important to remove all the dead leaves, fronds and material around the trunk as this can encourage pests to stay in its vicinity. In order to gain an even shape, fronds should be trimmed off at the same height. Unlike many other plants and trees, fronds should not be cut or pruned at 45-degree angles, as this can lead to the formation of disease-causing sores on the trunk.
Shaping the Palm Tree
Shaping the palm tree requires the desired shape to be identified before starting. The shape can be molded using the chosen materials and by using creative patterns such as spirals and curves which can be bound to the trunk with the ties. It’s recommended to start at the top of the tree and work downwards, as the palm’s top fronds are the oldest and have more potential to move and be manipulated in comparison to the lower fronds. The reason for this is that the lower fronds provide more stability and balance to the tree.
Maintaining the Shape
After shaping the palm tree, it’s important to maintain the shape by regularly checking the tree is growing in the right direction and ensuring that the tied materials have not become too tight. If the tied materials become too tight, this can restrict the tree’s growth and hinder picturesque growth – resulting in an untidy appearance. On the other hand, if the materials are too loose, then the shape of the tree cannot be maintained as it is likely to change over time.
Nutrition and Water
In order to retain a healthy shape, the nutrition and watering of the tree needs to be regularly monitored. Making sure the optimal amounts of nutrition and water is reaching the tree is essential for the health of the tree and the shape it holds. The palm tree should be fertilized with potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus once a month in order to promote foliage. Additionally, since the palm tree is a native of tropical areas and grows in desert climates, providing adequate water is an essential step to promoting and maintaining the desired shape.
Pruning the Palm Tree
For palms that have become overgrown and require pruning, trimming should be focused on removing the excess shoots produced by the tree. Again, when pruning the palm tree, ensure to begin at the top and only take the fronds that are diseased or those that don’t accurately fit the desired pattern of the tree. Any additional leaves should also be trimmed to ensure no two leaves overlap or rest against each other, as this can create an uneven texture and an untidy appearance.
Preventive Measures
In order to leave the palm tree in its desired shape and health, preventive measures should be taken, such as using pesticide sprays. Pest infestations can cause harm to the tree, leading to an unappealing look and is why the importance of controlling the insect population must not be overlooked. Additionally, the palm tree should be inspected by a professional throughout the year, as diseases and pests can have a major impact on the outcome of the tree.
Growth Monitoring
For maintaining the desired shape of the palm tree, growth monitoring is beneficial and should be carried out through the formation of a growth chart. This involves marking down the shape of the tree on paper and recording it every couple of weeks to ensure the tree is growing the right direction. The positions of the fronds and the rate of growth should be checked at least every four to six weeks in order to determine it is heading in its desired direction.
Rain Protection
Rain protection is also a vital step in making sure the shape of the palm tree is successfully maintained. When heavy rain is suspected, cover the palm tree in a waterproof canvas material. Doing this will reduce the chances of the fronds becoming too heavy, or the shape of the tree being ruined by the wind and rain.
Additional Treatment
In order to further maintain the shape of the palm tree, monthly treatments should be provided such as regular weeding, removing any plant debris from around the base of the tree and checking the soil maintains a healthy pH balance. Additionally, any water spilled onto the ground should be wiped up to avoid creating a slippery surface. If a tree service is not available, then it’s recommended to hire experts to ensure the treatments are administered accurately and with minimal disruption.
