Palmetto Paradise – A Tree Planting Handbook

Florida’s hospitable soil provides a fertile environment for palm trees. Whether they’re growing in sandy loam or wet, swampy clay, palms will grow with the right conditions.

Derr evokes the people who have transformed this abundant, fragile wonderland – spongers on the “palmetto prairie,” cowboys in the Everglades, builders and speculators from Miami Beach to Seaside.

Soil

The most basic of trees’ needs is soil. It holds water and the nutrients dissolved in it, and provides a support base. It also helps anchor the tree firmly in place.

The best soils are those that have a loose texture, are well-draining, and have sufficient organic matter (humus). The latter adds organic material, increases soil biodiversity, and can help retain moisture and nutrients for the roots.

In the diverse soil landscape of Florida, including Myakka, a wet swampland with sandy, surprisingly rich soil, the texture plays a crucial role in determining plant growth. Tree roots face challenges when attempting to penetrate tightly-packed soils, affecting their access to essential water and minerals. One effective method to assess soil texture is by squeezing a handful of it in your hand. If the soil holds its shape, it indicates loam, while easy collapse suggests clay. Considering the importance of soil texture for tree health, residents may benefit from consulting experts in Tree Service Tampa FL to address specific concerns and optimize the conditions for flourishing vegetation.

Water

In Tampa’s tropical climate, water is essential for plant growth. Our weather patterns fluctuate between hot, dry summers and short winters, and palm trees planted here must be adapted to the extreme temperature changes that occur.

The amount of water needed is based on the soil’s moisture-holding capacity and site drainage capabilities. Frequent, slow soaking is preferable to a single, heavy watering. Using soaker hoses or Gator bags will help ensure that applied water penetrates the roots, rather than running off the surface of the soil. It is best to water in the morning or evening when evaporation is less likely.

Jono Miller is the author of The Palmetto Book: Histories and Mysteries of the Cabbage Palm (University Press of Florida, 2021). He teaches environmental studies at New College Sarasota. The book explores the natural and cultural history of the southeastern American cabbage palm, also known as the sabal or pigeon pear.

Pruning

Pruning is a vital part of the landscape maintenance that is required to ensure the health and beauty of your trees and shrubs. This includes removing dead or damaged branches, thinning and shaping, and providing clearance for pedestrians and vehicles.

Each pruning cut should be well-planned to minimize damage to the plant. When pruning a plant, each cut should be made just above the collar, or swelling—a protective callus—and should leave a smooth surface, without ragged bark. This will promote fast healing.

Some shade and flowering ornamentals bleed or excrete a significant amount of sap from wounds after pruning. This is usually not harmful but should be taken into consideration.

For this reason, most pruning should be done in the fall or winter when the tree is dormant. This minimizes the amount of sap loss and stress to the plant. Pruning also allows the plants to heal more quickly and reduces the chance of winter damage or insect infestation.

Mulching

Mulching is a layer of organic material that is spread on the ground and around plants, primarily at the base. Its purpose is to preserve or enhance the soil environment, which in turn supports healthy plant growth. It helps retain soil moisture, regulates soil temperature, and suppresses weed growth. In addition, as the mulch decomposes it provides organic matter and nutrients to the soil.

Mulch also prevents and reduces soil compaction, allowing roots to penetrate more easily and access oxygen. It also protects the trunk from damage from lawn mowers and weed-whackers, which is particularly important for newly planted trees.

When selecting mulch, choose organic materials that are free of seeds and have been well-composted. Avoid freshly cut wood chips and mulch from a pile that has not been well-aerated, as they tend to deplete soil nitrogen and may be phytotoxic (dangerous to plants). A 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch is generally sufficient, although it should never be piled up against the tree trunk.