Maintenance on palm trees is fairly easy and does take some effort but if it’s not something you want to do, we do offer these services. After all, we are the palm tree pros.
Trimming the fronds is done in Spring or when the palm needs it. We don’t recommend trimming Fall and Winter. The lower fronds support the upper fronds when snow falls. Trimming is what gives a palm a full look to the canopy.
Manicuring the trunk gives it a smoother look. This is a bit of a task, fortunately once it’s been done it is done. A little advice, once the trunk has been trimmed tight, in the future trim the fronds tight to the trunk to continue the look.
Fertilizing is done twice a year for palms in the ground and a third time for palms in containers.
Watering is done by temperature. Twice a week below 75º and every other day when the temperature is above 75º. How much water is a little of a guessing game. Small palms need about a gallon each time. Six footers will need a couple of gallons, 10 footers will take about 3 to 5 gallons. Rain counts so just about no need to water Mid Fall through Mid Spring.
Rumor: Palms grow in the desert. WRONG. Palms grow in oasis’s, along coastlines and even at elevations over 8,000 feet but not in deserts. They, like us, need water.
Watering Palms Planted in the Ground
This is our recommendation for watering your newly planted palms. Water twice a week when temps are under 75º and every other day when above 75º.
When it comes to watering, the rule is to give your palms water at the same rate as
your lawn. Rain isn’t dependable even in the Seattle area. Keep an eye on the monthly rainfall. It’s not uncommon to need to water during the winter.
Here’s something you should know: How long does it take for 5 gallons of water to come from your hose? With an empty bucket, turn the water on at the rate you normally water at. Now start counting or singing to yourself, when the bucket is full note what number you are on or what verse of Margaritaville you are on. There you go, now you can water 5 gallons without a bucket.
Watering Palms Planted in Containers
The watering requirements are the same as in the ground palms with a couple of small differences. Cut back the volume of water but keep the timeline the same as in the ground plants. Here is a guideline for watering container palms. Give the palm between 1 to 2 gallons of water depending on the size of the container. When hand watering with a hose, I add enough water so that there is about an inch or two sitting on top of the soil. The water should drain in within a few minutes. If the water just runs through the container it is time to repot and probably increase the size of your container. Take a look at our ‘planting palms in container’ page for a few ideas.
Methods of Watering
Automatic systems are a great way to go. The palms get the water they need and you get the freedom of not having to remember the watering schedule for your yard. We use a direct water system with micro spitters.
We deliver and plant 7 days a week.
We are closed during lightening storms, we are located under power lines and safety is our goal. Well that, and a tropical look and lifestyle.
We do offer delivery and planting 7 days a week.
Please contact me with any questions you may have.
Dee Banchero
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