What is the difference between a hurricane cut Sabal palmetto and a Regenerated Sabal palmetto?
Hurricane cut Sabal palmettos are newly transplanted trees from natural stands. All of the roots die when a Sabal palmetto is dug. The top is trimmed off to reduce stress from transplanting.
Regenerated Sabal palmettos have been replanted after transplanting. The root systems have redevoloped and new growth has flushed back out. These are kept in the ground for 8 months to a year. Regenerated Sabal palmettos come in with 1-3 fronds formed.
How much water does a palm need?
There are a few contributing factors to consider when watering your palm. Variety of palm, soil condition, and planting elevation.
Our care guide under the palm trees tab has watering amounts and frequency listed for different soil types.
Typically 5 gallons of water per watering cycle is suitable for our large palm varieties.
How do I fertilize my palm tree?
First fertilization should be done one month after palm is installed (Note: Do NOT fertilize in winter,) Thereafter palms should be fertilized one week after last freeze(spring) then 6 months after (fall). Make sure the fertilizer you use is a palm food, a regular tree or grass fertilizer may cause growth problems. Spread the fertilizer at base of palm where the water is applied.
How should I prune my palm?
Palm fronds should be removed from the lowest part of the trunk first. Older growth will start to turn yellow and then brown. Hand pruners and loppers are great tools for pruning.
What does a full boot refer to?
The boot of a palm tree are old cut fronds removed during pruning old growth. A full boot refers to the entire trunk having the cut frond base still attached.
Is it true palms should be planted below the soil grade?
No! Palms root balls should be planted at or a few inches above the soil grade. Planting a few inches high and adding sand to a heavy clay soil is one way of improving drainage.
Will my sprinklers sufficiently water the palm? Why is drip irrigation preferred?
Difference in spray irrigation (sprinklers) vs. drip irrigation
The difference between spray irrigation and drip irrigation is in the depth the water will reach. Spray irrigation will only saturate the top 3-5 inches per watering cycle wheras drip irrigation is designed to have a larger and deeper saturation in that specific area.
Palms root balls are 2-3 feet deep and require a deeper water saturation to develope new roots.
Newly planted palms can suffer root loss with a lapse in deep water saturation especially during the hotter and drier summer months.