Queen Palms

Our Community Tree

 

If there was a ” Top Ten” list of things symbolizing Florida, palm trees would surely be close to the top. The majestic palm can be found everywhere in the state and most particularly in southern Florida.  The stately Queen Palm was chosen to line the streets of Terra Tranquila and has become a symbol of our neighborhood.

Our association includes the pruning of the palms in the maintenance fee, but the fertilization and watering of the trees is the responsibility of each homeowner. This is a pretty hardy tree, but we should watch for signs that care is needed. A healthy palm will have thick dark green foliage. The lower branches will yellow and brown as they die and are replaced, but the upper branches of a healthy palm will remain a dark green. Any sign of yellowing in the upper branches is an indication that the tree needs some attention.

The following excerpt from the Stan DeFreitas gardening book provides a good guide to follow:

“Palm trees are like every other living thing: They  need feeding. One pound of palm food or general fertilizer should be applied for every inch of trunk diameter. These applications should be done three times a year, in February, June, and October. In addition to a good palm food or general fertilizer, you should apply manganese and magnesium at the rate of 1/2 pound per inch of trunk diameter, up to 5 pounds.

Palms also need watering on a regular basis. Although mature palms are among the most drought-resistant plants, it is advisable to water them once a week.” *1

Palm tree fertilizer is readily available at most gardening centers. It can be purchased in granulated or spike form. Application techniques vary from pouring it into holes created around the tree to scattering it out around the base. For best results, follow the directions on the package and always water after applying the fertilizer.

For more information on the care and feeding of palm trees, visit the Tree Help web site, which is very informative and has an online ordering feature.

*1 DeFreitas, Stan Complete Guide to Florida Gardening, Taylor Publishing Co 1987