Planting a Palm Tree
Palm trees are magnificent and exotic plants that can add a lot of color and interest to a home’s landscaping. Growing and taking care of a palm tree, however, can be a challenge. Palm trees are native to humid tropical climates and may be especially vulnerable to the elements and changing temperatures in other areas. With the right amount of preparation and maintenance, it’s possible to send a palm tree off to a full and healthy life. Start off on the right foot by ensuring the palm tree is planted properly. A pal tree will be more content in a large container outside of a small, cramped pot.
When picking out a spot in your yard, look for one with plenty of light and damp soil that has been properly drained. If the soil has too high a risk of being waterlogged or is too dense to break through, use a shovel and spade to mix some coarse sand and peat moss in and loosen it up. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball of the palm tree and place the tree gently. Cover up the hole with the loosened soil and tamp it down. Make sure to keep the base of the tree at least one foot above the ground and water it thoroughly.
Watering the Palm
A newly planted palm tree will need to be watered initially for at least two weeks, depending on the type of soil. Ideally, the soil should stay moist but not soggy. Monitor the soil closely and water when the top two inches is dry. Prioritize giving the tree enough water in its early stages, since young trees are more susceptible to dryness. To ensure the tree gets the most benefit from watering, use the soaker hose method. Use a slow-moving stream of water that seeps deeply into the ground. This way, the root system can absorb the water at a steady rate.
Feeding and Fertilizing
To encourage healthy growth, use a fertilizer on your palm tree a few times a year. A slow-release fertilizer is generally the best way to go, as it won’t overwhelm the tree and will give it the nutrients it needs over a longer period of time. Consult a soil tester or expert to determine what type of fertilizer is best for the palm tree and its specific soil type. A good rule of thumb for application is no more than four pounds per inch of the trunk’s diameter.
How to Prune
It will be necessary to prune a palm tree from time to time to ensure it stays in good shape and Grows properly. Prune away dead, weakened branches and any excess fronds (leaves) that are crowding the palm too much. Pruning should be done moderately, however, as pruning too much or too aggressively can stunt the growth and actually make the palm tree weaker. It’s best to use clean and sharp pruning shears and make level cuts.
Protection
There are a few steps a homeowner should take to protect a palm tree from extreme weather and pests. If the tree is exposed to freezing temperatures-which can be highly damaging to a palm tree-cover it with a blanket or plastic sheeting and prop it up with some kind of support such as stakes or bricks. Additionally, using insecticides and fungicides such as those containing pyrethrin can keep various pests away. When picking out an insecticide, it’s important to find one that is appropriate for the region.
Illness Prevention
In some cases, a palm tree may be facing an illness that can’t be prevented. The telltale signs are yellowing or browning of the leaves, stunted growth and the presence of spots, webbing, insects or mites. In the early stages, it may be possible to save the tree by removing unhealthy foliage, carefully pruning and introducing beneficial root fungi. However, if the tree is in the late stages of an illness, it may be best to entirely remove it and replant with a new one.
When to Seek Professional Help
Unless an individual has been trained, homeowners should try to deal with major issues on their own, as any missteps could cause further damage and death to the tree. Consult a landscaping expert or certified arborist when in doubt or if things are getting to the point where it may be necessary to remove the tree. Professionals can assess the situation, advise on how to best proceed and offer long-term advice.
Make Use of Mulch
To maximize the health of the soil and ensure the roots of the palm tree are protected, spread a layer of mulch around the base of the tree about two inches thick. Use organic mulch such as coconut husks, peat moss or wood chips and make sure there is at least an inch of air space between the mulch layer and the trunk of the tree.
Harvest Wisely
Though many people want to get their hands on the delicious fruit of a palm tree, they should be aware that over-harvesting could lead to reduced growth and vitality. To prevent this, carefully trim away excess fruit and ensure the tree itself is still in good health. Remove any branches and fronds that are likely to add too much weight and imbalance to the tree.
Regular Inspections
Once the palm tree is established, keep an eye on it regularly for any potential issues and take notice of any new pests or issues with the soil. Estimates suggest that a palm tree can live anywhere from ten to hundreds of years, so if it is properly taken care of and given the right nutrients, it will bring joy to the landscape in the long run.
