Fertilizer Application rates: Field production or landscape: Up to 15 lbs./ 1000 sq. ft. every 3 months of 8-2-12-4Mg Lbs. of material, not lbs. of N =4.8 lbs. of N/1000 sq. ft/yr

Mixed Landscape Fertilization Why integrated approach? All types of plants are growing in same deficient soil Palm and tree roots co-exist with turf roots Products applied to turf can be harmful to palms and trees Simplicity! High N fertilizers commonly used on turfgrass can induce or accentuate deficiencies of other elements such as K in palms. Pesticides used on turfgrass can also be taken up by palm roots. It is so much easier to apply a single effective fertilizer to all elements within a mixed landscape than using separate fertilizers for palms, turfgrass, ornamental plantings, etc.

This 50 year old sabal palm had never received any fertilizer during its entire life. As is typical of sabal palms growing in natural areas, it showed only minor K deficiency. However, after turf fertilizer was applied to turf plots 30 ft away on one side only, this palm went into a severe decline due to K deficiency. In another instance 5 coconut palms were similarly exposed to typical turf fertilization 30 ft away on one side only. Within a year, 3 out of the 5 coconut palms had died from induced K deficiency. Thus normal turf fertilization in a mixed landscape containing palms can be harmful or fatal to palms.

Mixed Landscape Fertilization Do NOT use turf fertilizers on any turf area within 50 feet of a palm DO use recommended “palm special” landscape fertilizer on turf and all ornamentals in mixed landscapes

Treating Severe Palm Deficiencies Be Patient! Micronutrient deficiencies may not show recovery until new leaves affected by treatment emerge from the bud 4-6 months later Macronutrient deficiencies (if excepted) will require replacement of entire canopy, a process that can take from 1 to 2 years or more

Remember: If you can’t use the correct fertilizer, you are better off not fertilizing at all!!

Water Efficiently Over-watering most palms greatly increases the likelihood of root rot and fertilizer leaching Watering infrequently and for a longer duration increases drought tolerance Most rainforest palms are not recommended for south ‘Florida Landscapes’

Watering Your Palms In general, once a plant is established water only when it wilts. Leaves begin to droop and do not recover as the evening approaches Water only according to water restrictions. Don’t water before an expected rain. Water early in the morning to reduce water loss due to evaporation. Water only until palms are established

Mulching Palms Conserves water Moderates soil temperature Discourages weeds Eliminates damage from mowers and line trimmers

Mulching Palms Apply 3-4 inches thick around all palms Reapplied annually or semi-annually

What to trim? Dead leaves and fruit stalks Badly damaged leaves Flower stalks? Fruit stalks? It is always safe to remove dead leaves and fruit stalks. Leaves broken down by high winds can be taken off unless following a hurricane they are the only leaves left on the palm. Then they should be left on, as palm recovery will be enhanced. Removing inflorescences is harmless to palms and prevents the mess of fruits later in the year. Although palm fruits can be attractive, when they fall they can be very messy. Falling coconuts can be a human hazard as well and are often removed from palms in public places.

How much to remove? If deficiencies exist, remove only dead leaves If deficiencies are corrected, remove no more (preferably less) leaves than will be produced during intervals between pruning Never remove leaves at an angle above the horizontal (9:00 to 3:00)

Leaf production (South florida) Species Number of leaves Cocos nucifera 10 Phoenix canariensis 50 Sabal Palmetto 8 Washingtonia robusta 13

How to remove leaves? Cut leaf base close, but not into trunk Sterilize tools between trees (especiallty Phoenix sp., queen palms, and Mexican fan palms Do not attempt to tear leaves off if persistent – can leave permanent trunk wound and potential entry site for disease organisms

No pruning needed In spite of what your customers want… No fronds need to removed from this palm.

Over pruning date palms Severely over pruned! Over-pruning serves no purpose except to transfer dollars from one bank account to another.

Stress symptoms of over-pruning Over-flower production is a common response This adds additional stress to the plant Why do this to palms? People plant palms for the nice tropical feel and look. Removing live green fronds removes the tropical feel and look. Ask the audience how this makes sense – let me know what they say.

Credits and Acknowledgements Parts of this presentation were adapted from a presentation created by Kim Gabel, Horticulture Extension Agent, Monroe County UF-IFAS Extension. Photographs IPM used in this presentation by: B. Graves, Adrian Hunsberger. Palm nutrition and deficiencies, From Dr. Timothy Broschat, Fort Lauderdale Research Center. Palm Anatomy, From Dr. Monica Elliott, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center.

Preguntas?