Have you thought about putting a palm tree in your garden? They can add a tropical touch but you shouldn’t add them without considering all the work that goes into them. You can’t just plant them and water them every once in a while.
Palm trees can be a little picky in terms of temperature, soil, and planting. You also have to take special precaution during the winter or your trees won’t make it. Does all of this sound a little overwhelming?
Here are a few tips on potting, planning and pruning palm trees so you can successfully bring the tropics to your yard in Englewood, FL.
1. Soil
The soil found in most areas in Englewood isn’t the best for palm trees. That’s why you’ll need to buy your own. A lot of palm trees are picky when it comes to soil type but most species will thrive in alkaline or acid ground.
On top of using the right soil, you’ll also have to choose the right fertilizer because palm trees get all of their nutrients from the top of the soil. Lastly, make sure the soil has good drainage so the tree doesn’t receive too much moisture.
2. Light Requirements
Just like soil, palm trees are also choosy when it comes to light. Different trees have different requirements and it will be up to you to learn them. If you put one that prefers sun in the shade the plant will be weak and die over time.
If you put a tree in the sun that requires shade the leaves will burn up and die so, light is a very important factor.
3. Moisture Requirements
There are some palm trees that need water once a week and some that that need it five times a week. You need to determine your palm trees depending on the area you live in. For example, if you plant desert palm trees when you live in Englewood, they probably wouldn’t thrive.
If you’re planting several different types of trees, you want to make sure you plant them together depending on how much moisture they need. If you don’t, some of your trees will be fine, and some of them will die.
4. Planting the Palm Tree
Once you find a spot with the perfect amount of lighting and moisture, it’s time to start the planting process. The weather has a huge impact on when you plant the tree. It’s a good idea to you plant the tree in the spring because harmful frosts still happen in sunny areas like Englewood during the winter.
When you start the planting process, you’ll dig a hole that is about twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper than it. Once you’ve dug your hole, carefully put the tree in. You have to make sure not to damage the root ball or you will kill your tree.
5. Bracing the Tree
When the tree is young it is vulnerable to toppling over in heavy winds. To avoid this, you’ll want to brace the tree for at least a year until the roots are strong enough to keep it up.
Grab three or for 2×4 lumber and place them around the tree. You’ll use them as braces for the tree by securing them with burlap.
After that, you’ll get smaller pieces of wood and fasten them with metal bands. You’ll nail the larger pieces into the smaller ones but make sure you don’t nail them into the tree.
6. Pruning
Most trees will do this naturally but you will have to help them out a little bit. It’s the process of removing the yellow and brown fronds.
Note that you should only remove the older ones. If you remove the younger ones it will take nutrients away from the tree.
When you’re removing the fronds make sure you don’t cut too close to the bark. If you do this, insects and other bacteria will settle into the cut and do some serious damage to your tree.
7. Temperature
Palm trees aren’t just located in the tropics. Some are found in very hot, desert areas, and some even see snow on a semi-regular basis.
So living in Englewood, if you plant a tree that is adapted for snow and ice, it probably won’t last. You’ll want to get one that is suited for sunnier areas.
8. Winter Protection
Even though some palm trees see snow, not all of them do. For the ones that don’t, you’ll need to go to some lengths to protect them from the harsh winter frost.
If your plant is still a baby and not too heavy, you can bring it in during the winter. If it’s too heavy, you can throw a blanket over it which will keep it somewhat warm. When the winter is too bad, you can put a propane heater outside, just make sure it’s not so close to the plant that it will burn it.
As an icing on the cake, make sure your soil stays moisturized. Moisturized soil stays warmer than dry.
Everything to Know About Potting, Planting, and Pruning Palm Trees
Do you want to add a bit of tropical flair to your garden in Englewood, FL? A palm tree could be the perfect addition. You just have to make sure you choose one that can thrive in the climate and plant it properly.
Use these tips for potting, planting, and pruning palm trees to ensure that you keep it around for a long time.
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