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Guide To Palms
Palms enhance any landscape with a
tropical illusion, whether used indoors in patio
pots or in general outdoor settings. In the
xeriscape landscape they are used in mini-oasis
plantings and are valuable near ponds and swimming
pools. Even fast-growing varieties can be controlled
when containerized. Palms range in size from small
(8') to as large as 100' feet tall. Some have single
trunks while others will grow with multiple trunks.
The growth tip in a palm starts about as far down
inside the trunk as the frond is long. Hardiness
ranges from very tender to heat and cold, to
extremely hardy against these conditions.Citrus can
be planted almost year-round if done with care.
Palms are found growing in riparian areas or wet
spots; however, this does not mean they want to be
wet all the time. Most palms respond to rich organic
type soils and heavy, but infrequent, watering and
fertilizing programs. Palms living in their native
habitat of wet areas tend to have soils that drain
well and do not become water logged.
Planting Palms In Our Desert Soils
When planting palms, add compost or mulch to the
soil at a rate of 50% compost to 50% native soil.
The planting hole does not need to be deeper than
the root ball unless the soil does not drain well,
but it needs to be from 2-4 times as wide as the
root ball. If your soil does not drain well, dig the
hole slightly deeper than the root ball and replace
the soil without amending it; compact it with your
feet. This will allow water to drain away from the
root ball, but the root ball will not settle.
Irrigation & Fertilization
Irrigation of palms is critical. They need large
amounts of water at each watering but do not need to
remain wet all the time. As with most plants
shallow, frequent watering of palm trees leads to
serious problems. Fertilize the palm tree three
times per year, as is routine for most trees and
shrubs.
If you are watering correctly and fertilizing on
schedule, there should be no trace mineral problems.
If abnormal growth and yellowing does start in the
palm however, use a product that contains magnesium,
iron, manganese, zinc and sulfur, such as Gardener's
World Palm Food. Use as directed and make sure you
correct your watering routine.
Insects
Insects are not a large problem on palms grown
indoors. Some of the tropical palms are subject to
mite and mealy bug damage. If the plant looks
strange or if you have critters on it, bring a
sample in to Gardener's World and we will properly
identify the problem and recommend treatment.
Fungus
We do see some fungus problems in palms. Bud rot
and foot rot are common problems, as well as rot
that occurs from damage to the trunk from climbing
the tree with spikes to trim it. Bud rot is
treatable with Bordeaux. The symptoms of bud rot are
misshaped, frizzed or accordion-folded fronds, or
weak fronds that fall over after emerging.
Trimming
Trimming leaves off palms does not make them grow
faster. Foliage should be left on the tree until the
leaf starts to die back. It can then be removed for
a better groomed look. Trimming palms about the
middle of June allows for removal of flowering
stalks, immature seed and older fronds all at one
time. This should only have to be done once a year.
When removing fronds, you should cut the frond
off as close to the trunk as possible so as not to
leave a long stub. Sometimes two cuts are made
across the green petioles so they will later loosen
and shed themselves, or for easy removal later.
Never cut into the green trunk. When skinning some
palms, or removing the old leaf petioles, never go
higher than the brown area on the trunk to avoid
getting into the green tissue. The use of climbing
spikes should be avoided because the holes they
leave in the trunk could become sites for decay.
Trimming the tree makes it look better but it has no
affect on its growth.
If you need more information, our professional
staff is always available to assist you. If you need
something and don't see it, just ask! Thank you for
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