Naples, FL, tree care experts offer tips to make palm trees pop.
Taking Care of Native Palm Trees
Living in southern Florida definitely has its perks, but one of the best features is the tropical temperatures. Warm weather all year long offers the distinct advantage of an almost uninterrupted growing season that supports diverse and exotic plant life. Among the most prized plants in the state are the varieties of palm trees that are found everywhere. Globally, over 3000 species of palm trees exist with many of them occurring naturally in the surrounding landscape.
Palm trees grow in a range of sizes, from small plants that can survive indoors in pots to slender trees that soar to great heights. Keeping palm trees adds aesthetic value to the home but most people don’t know what varieties to plant or how to care for the palm trees on their properties. Here are a few tips from local arborists to help homeowners confidently care for and plant new palm trees.
Types of Palm Trees Commonly Found in the Area
Local weather conditions allow for the survival and success of many different types of palm trees. As with any tree, homeowners looking to plant palm trees should shop around at local nurseries to find cultivars that are native to the region and well-adapted. Owners should also decide what level of care they want to put into the tree, as certain varieties require more attention than others.
In order of ascending tree maintenance needs, common palm cultivars commonly found in the region are:
- Dwarf Sugar: Dwarf sugar palms are a small variety, maxing out at about 12 feet. Attractive fronds emerge from ground level to provide privacy breaks or a specimen tree. These trees are adapted for droughts once established and reward owners with beautiful blooms.
- Lady Palm: Lady palms are even smaller than dwarf palms, making them excellent for small areas or container plantings. They have low light requirements and require minimal maintenance.
- Jelly Palm: Another small cultivar, jelly palms produce bright yellow fruit that is edible and they top out at 15 feet tall. These trees are hardy but will benefit from routine trimming to help them maintain their scalloped appearance.
- Canary or Date Palm: For larger trees, date palms are excellent selections, growing to around 60 feet tall. These trees sport a unique shape comparable to a pineapple. Apart from trimming, these will benefit from regular deep watering and fertilization.
- Sabal Palm: The state tree makes a great specimen for open spaces. One of the tallest local palm trees, they top out at about 60 feet. As old fronds die and fall, new ones will grow in, but the large dead fronds can create a hazard when they fall, and when pruning is neglected, the tree will have a shaggy appearance.
Care Considerations for Palm Trees
Palm trees are well adapted to local climate conditions, and most will handle soil salinity provided that soil is well-drained. All palm trees will benefit from regular watering and early season fertilization with specially formulated fertilizer. Tree trimming can be a chore for some palm species.
Reaching heights up to 100 feet makes the process a job for professionals. Palm trees tolerate high winds, but when tall cultivars are planted near structures, care should be taken. Mulching can help fertilizers leach into soils slower while also retaining moisture, so mulch should be added at the beginning of each growing season for protection.
Working With Any Town Tree
Any Town Tree has the experience and equipment to care for all varieties of palm trees. They can help homeowners care for their trees, and they can safely reach palm tree tops for tree trimming. Call (239) 580-8733 today for tree service in Naples, FL.