Tips On How To Fertilize Palm Trees Properly From Experts

A regular fertilization schedule may readily prevent nutritional shortages in palms. So, when and how to fertilize palm trees correctly?

Fertilize palms 3 or 4 times a year, throughout the growing season, with a nutritional compost explicitly designed for palm trees.

The ideal technique to apply it is to spread it evenly throughout the plant’s root system, avoiding reaching too close to the trunk.

The article will provide complete information on the method of fertilizing palm trees. Let’s dive right into the details!

When And How Much To Fertilize?

It Is Evergreen

It is vital to use a slow fertilizer, like the Milorganite, when feeding palm trees since it supplies nutrients over a lengthy period and lowers the chance of leaching. 

Quick-release nutritional products can readily wash away after excessive rain, especially in sandy loam. Milorganite also includes organic matter, which aids in developing better soil and the retention of moisture.

You should apply this type of fertilizer four times each year, equally spaced throughout the growing season, which can start as early as March and last in October, based on where you live. 

Apply about 5 to 10 pounds of Milorganite under the palm’s canopy. Keep at least two feet away from its trunk. Because it is delicate and easily spooked or burnt when using quick-release nutrients.

The enrichment frequency depends on the soil type you have and the quantity of rain in your location. 

Heavy rains easily remove nutrients from this sort of soil. As a result, you’ll need to feed it three to four times a year to maintain proper nutrition levels.

On the other hand, rain in California is less, and the grounds are typically of higher quality. As a result, you can generally get away with fertilizing your lawn only twice a year.

Fertilizing Newly Planted Palms

When growing container-grown palms, mix the necessary amount of Milorganite into the ground at the bottom soil layer of the hole.

The tree’s height determines the application rate: 2 pounds for 4 feet, 5 pounds for 10 feet, and 10 pounds for 20 feet. For around 45 days, water it every day.

When Should I Fertilize My Palm Trees?

Feed It During Growing Season

When fertilizing palm trees, you should use slow-release palm tree fertilizer.

The optimal time to feed palm trees is during the growth season (from the end of March to October), which varies depending on the products you choose. 

You will need to spray or apply it four times a year in a warm region with temperatures that do not drop below freezing.

You can cultivate palms in a variety of conditions, including warm and freezing locations. Stop fertilizing palm trees several months before the first harsh winter if you reside in one of those places.

Some palm lovers may feel that fertilization over the colder months helps the plant keep its strength and prepare for the spring planting season. However, it is not valid. 

This procedure encourages development at the incorrect moment, weakening the palm trees before the arrival of cold weather.

If you have got a new palm, wait until it produces a new spear, which should be approximately two months following planting. Mature palms are distinctive and should be fertilized according to their typical schedule.

Can You Over-Fertilize Palm Trees?

No, fertilizing palm trees too much may harm your palm trees more than not feeding them at all.

As we stated, when feeding palms, you must use a slow-release fertilizer that is mainly made for palms. They provide the plant’s roots with modest doses of nutrients over a long period.

Depending on the brand’s recommendations, you should spray palm tree fertilizer a maximum of three times each year. It is critical to carefully follow the advice on the label of the products you are using.

How To Keep My Palm Plant Healthy?

Good Soil And Compost Will Benefit Your Palm Trees

Good soil keeps moisture and nutrients in the right places. Peat moss is an excellent choice. Remember not to use soil that has had palm fertilizer put to it.

Water palms as needed throughout the summer, early morning or late afternoon, and during the winter.

Mulch the palm with 3 to 6 inches, starting at least 6 inches from its stem and reaching about 3 feet. To avoid the spread of pathogens that might harm the plant, use commercially sterilized mulch.

Never use screws, nails, or a string trimmer to penetrate or harm the trunk of palm trees. Palm trunk scars never heal, making them more vulnerable to illness.

How To Make My Palm Plant Greener?

Leaves Turn Yellow

Since palm trees are evergreen, they should stay green all year. When you notice yellow leaves on it, you should be concerned.

We’ve put up a step-by-step guide to assist you in identifying your tree’s health and making it greener.

• Test the soil to find out whether your tree is missing any essential nutrients. There are shops where you may get a test kit and do it on your own. However, if you are unsure about doing it yourself, a trained arborist is the ideal person to contact.
• Once you’ve determined which nutrients are deficient in the soil, use a slow-release palm fertilizer to fill up the gaps.
• Pruning the tree’s route might help it stay healthy.
• Maintain a regular fertilization program to guarantee that your tree thrives. Three to four times per year, fertilize your plant.
• Check for evidence of fungus or pests if the soil isn’t the issue. Drooping and fading leaves are sometimes due to a fungus called Ganoderma. 
• If there’s a sticky coating on the leaves, there is a high risk of insect infestation. Then, see a qualified arborist for advice on what to do next.

How To Revive A Dye Palm Tree?

How To Revive A Dying Tree?

You may do several things to bring your palm plant back to its previous condition if you think it is dead. The best technique is to properly water, prune, and fertilize it. To properly care for a dying palm tree, follow the procedures below.

This video will help you better understand how to do so:

Add A Right Amount Of Water

Watering palm trees with the wrong amount may cause the leaves to dry and become brown. Adding 40% sand to the soil can improve drainage and avoid excessive water.

On cold days, palm trees must be watered less frequently, while you should spray them with water more regularly in the summertime.

Utilize High-Quality Nutritional Compost

Your plant will be more prone to diseases if it does not receive adequate nutrients. Giving it the nutrition it needs will guarantee that it develops and thrives. Avoid using low-cost palm fertilizer since it won’t work.

To minimize nutrients being carried away by watering or rain, use a high-quality sluggish palm fertilizer.

Utilize High-Quality Soil

This phase is only for newly planted palms. A young palm tree should get the hydration and drainage required to grow healthy and happy with suitable soil. Fertilizers should not be mixed with soil since they might burn roots.

Do Not Prune During Hurricane Months

Some arborists recommend pruning palms before a storm or monsoon season to remove excess weight. It is incorrect.

The fronds truly shield you from the sun and other elements. Instead of cutting the fronds off, tie them together.

Ensure It Has Proper Nutrients

Lacking Nutrients May Cause Yellow Leaves

Check for calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron deficiency in your plants. A palm tree may become lacking in these nutrients and suffer from a variety of issues as a result. 

• In the case of a potassium deficit, leaves will develop spots. 
• In the case of a calcium deficit, leaves will be distorted and stunted. 
• Leaves with yellow stripes extending along the edge of the fronds indicate a magnesium shortage. 
• They will have green spots, broken ends, and thin green veins if they have an iron shortage.

Restrict Or Increase Sunlight

If newly planted palm trees are exposed to direct sunshine, they might become sunburned. Their leaves will begin to turn brown if there is little sunshine.

If your tree has been in the shadow for an extended period, it has most likely become accustomed to that level of light.

Grow At The Right Level

This procedure is to plant a new tree or replace an existing one. When growing a new tree, plant it deep enough to cover the tree’s root ball.

Mexican Fan Palm trees, on the other hand, can be buried about 4 to 5 feet deeper than the root ball. Landscape architects who seek to match plant heights would benefit significantly from this.

The Bottom Line

The appropriate combination of major components such as phosphate, nitrogen, and potassium is crucial in a palm’s meal. Deficiencies in one or more elements can result in various health issues and reduce the tree’s overall attractiveness.

So, it is crucial to know when and how to fertilize palm trees. You can visit us at Swipe Garden for more helpful information.

Thank you for reading!

Related articles:

• Palm Tree Fertilizer Needs – Tips For Fertilizing Palm Trees
• Your Palms Might Be HANGRY- Here Is How To Feed Them!