Watering
Palm trees often require regular watering, depending on the species and the climate you live in. To ensure that your tree is receiving the adequate amount of water, it is important to understand the soil type in your garden. For sandy soils, aim to water more frequently but with less volume, while clay soils will require less frequent watering but larger volumes of water. It is advisable to check the soil around the tree for a couple of inches below the surface and water if it is dry. Palm tree roots are pretty shallow, and so are sensitive to being over-watered; monitor your tree closely for any signs of distress.
Additionally, Brown Leaf Tips are the most common symptom of underwatering, so if your palm tree is exhibiting this symptom, then increase the watering frequency. Avoid using sprinkler systems for your palm trees, as it disperses the water too quickly and results in a higher rate of evaporation.
In contrast, symptoms of over-watering include yellowing and browning of the fronds, which is usually caused by too much water in the root zone. To avoid this, monitor the soil moisture closely and ensure that it is not over watered. If the root zone’s water content is already too high, then cease watering the tree immediately until the top two inches are dry enough.
Soil
The soil type, as discussed earlier, is paramount to the health of your palm tree. Proper drainage and aeration are both important elements of soil that provide the tree with access to water and oxygen. You should aim to achieve a balance between sand and large particles to allow for adequate aeration, as well as a ratio of around 3:1 for potting soils for potted palm trees.
Excessively high levels of soil acidity in the root zone can also cause nutrient deficiency for your tree. To check for soil acidity, you can purchase a soil tester from your local gardening shop. If the soil is too acidic, then it can be balanced with the addition of some water-soluble fertilizers. Alternatively, mulching the surrounding area with organic compost can also provide an effective buffer against both drought and soil acidity.
Finally, it is worthwhile to add in some organic matter such as decomposed bark and/or peat moss in order to improve the soil texture and water-holding capacity. However, note that bamboo and boathouse palms can be sensitive to excessive amounts of organic matter.
Fertilizing
Palm trees require regular fertilizing, depending on the tree’s particular requirements. To begin with, assess your soil’s nutrient content on a yearly basis, and then supplement the soil with important nutrients if necessary. Additionally, a slow release, water-soluble fertilizer should be added in mid-spring, usually at a rate of around 1-3 pounds per 100 square feet.
It is important to note that most palm tree fertilizers are only effective when properly diluted, as it prevents salt burn, which occurs when too much fertilizer is applied all at once and the fertilizer becomes too concentrated.
Moreover, when looking for a fertilizer, many of the soil testers will contain fertilization recommendations as well. Look for magnesium, calcium and iron, which are all important micronutrients for your palm tree. Trace elements such as manganese, zinc and copper may also help with nutrient deficiencies, although too much of these can prove toxic for your tree.
Finally, it is important to also stop fertilizing in winter. This is because palm trees grow very slowly in winter, and applying too much fertilizer during this time can cause overfeeding.
Pruning
Palm trees do not need to be pruned often, as they usually take care of themselves when allowed the natural space to do so – the only exception being the removal of dead branches. However, pruning techniques such as crown-reshaping should only be employed by experienced gardeners.
In fact, regular and improper pruning of the tree can do more harm than good, as it can be difficult to know where to prune and how to ensure that the tree maintains its natural balance. Additionally, pruning tree leaves expose it to the sun, and this can result in the leaves burning, which can prove to be toxic for the tree.
Given the value of natural palm tree balance, it is often the case that pruning should not be done whatsoever. Nevertheless, if the removal of certain branches is deemed important, then the tree should be lightly pruned during early spring or late winter.
Insects and Pest Control
Palm trees are sensitive to insects and pests, such as spider mites, mealybugs, scale, whiteflies, and aphids. Spider mites are a particular threat, and they can be identified by the webbing produced on the tree. Left unmolested, spider mites can cause leaves to yellow or brown and leaf loss as well.
The best way to control spider mites is prevention, which includes regular daily inspections around the base of the tree, where most infestations occur. An insecticide or pesticide can be used if the infestation is bad enough – make sure to thoroughly read the instructions for application. Finally, for added protection, a pesticide can also be sprayed over the area regularly.
Diseases and Weird Symptoms
Palm trees are susceptible to several diseases, some of which are soil-born, while others are caused by insects and pests. Common diseases affecting palm trees include Hardy Palm Blight, Lethal Yellows Disease and Wilt Disease, each of which exhibits different symptoms.
An effective way to diagnose diseases is to remove a sample of the plant material and looking closely at it under the microscope. Diagnosis can also be done by testing the soil, as well as observing the environment of the palm tree. Rarer diseases such as root rot and trunk rot are more difficult to detect, and the symptoms may not be apparent until the disease has taken hold.
In any case, one of the best ways to prevent diseases is to regularly inspect the tree for signs of distress as discussed, and to act upon them quickly. Contact a qualified Arborist if you are concerned, as they are best placed to diagnose and treat diseases.
Light Requirements
Palm trees are sensitive to their environment, and healthy trees typically need an ample amount of direct sunlight. Depending on the species and the climate, the optimum sun exposure for most palm trees is around 6-8 hours daily. However, some palm trees will still require more light than others, so it is important to consult a qualified Arborist if you are unsure.
As with most plants, if they are deprived of sunlight, they will struggle to survive and may eventually die. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor the tree’s light exposure, or alternatively provide the tree with grow lights or an outdoor light source during the nighttime.
Additionally, darker soils tend to absorb more heat, and this can adversely affect the palm tree. Try to keep dark soils at bay as much as possible and use white reflectors to help provide light and enhance the tree’s environment.
Temperature
The temperatures preferred by palm trees differ greatly between the different species. In the colder climates, the trees must be winter-hardy species, while those warm climates may require more tolerant varieties. It is important to ensure that your tree is suited to the climate and that it is not put under too much stress due to changing temperatures.
If the temperatures drop below 20°F, most palm trees will suffer damage. To protect them during such periods, it is recommended to wrap their trunks using straw, burlap or other materials. Additionally, for further support, use indoor lighting to help the tree retain its body heat.
Finally, during the summer season, the ambient temperature may rise up to the point of damaging the tree. Misting the leaves with tepid water can help them to cope with the higher temperatures, and you can also apply shading wherever possible in order to prevent overheating.
Protecting from Storms and Wind
Wind and storms can cause immense damage to palm trees; therefore it is important to be aware of the wind zones in the area. The tree should be planted in the most protected area, and it is advisable to provide shields if the wind is too strong.
These shields could be made from an artificial material, such as plastic, or natural materials such as wood crosses. Furthermore, larger trees can also benefit from having stakes attached at the base of the trunk, as it helps to fortify them against the strongest of winds.
In addition to this, if there is an oncoming storm, protect your tree by firmly tying a stake to it in order to minimize root damage from the wind. If a storm is severe enough, then it is advisable to use impact resistant shutters to provide further protection.
Transplanting
Transplanting a palm tree should be done with great caution and best left to a professional Arborist. The time of year for transplanting depends on the region of the country you lived in; warmer areas should transplant in the cooler times of year, while colder climates should transplant in the warmer times. Additionally, trees should only be transplanted during a wet season, as it helps ensure that the young tree has ample water.
When transplanting, ensure that you dig deep enough in order to preserve the root ball, as it gives the tree more stability. It is also recommended to place a wooden stake around the base of the tree to help brace it and keep it safe. Finally, when transplanting, water the tree evenly, as too much water can cause rotting in the roots.
Conclusion
Palm trees are a wonderful addition to any garden, but if you want to ensure that your tree is healthy and happy you should follow these guidelines. Make sure you research specific requirements for the particular species of palm tree you have in order to meet its exact needs. With proper care and attention, your palm tree can remain healthy for many years.
