Keeping Your Florida Trees Healthy in the Summer:
5 Things The Tree Planters want you to Know
At The Tree Planters, we know that during the hot Florida summer months there are some specific concerns when it comes to keeping your trees healthy.
Some summers are hotter than others leading to dry conditions and some are wetter where over water saturation which could affect the tree’s root structure as well as leading to other problems. Making sure that your trees receive the right balance of nutrients during the summer requires careful selection of fertilizer and knowing when to fertilize is important. Frequent inspection of your trees’ leaves, limbs, trunk, and exposed roots could alert you to any insect pest infestations. This is not a good time to ignore tree maintenance not only for the tree’s overall health, but to make sure that your tree is ready for the summer’s strong wind storms.
The following are 5 things that will help you keep your Florida trees healthy all summer long.
Root Care & Fertilization
In Florida, it is vital that you understand how to care for the roots of your trees and how to properly fertilize. The state can have wide fluctuations from drought conditions to an oversaturation of water. Take particular care with palm trees that have shallow roots and a root ball that does not branch outwards as you would find in most trees. which require more frequent watering. Florida trees not only need a careful watering plan, but they also need a comprehensive fertilizer regimen. Do not place granular fertilizer near the trunk of the tree or in clumps anywhere around the tree. The fertilizer should be applied around the drip line of the tree.
It’s best to plan to fertilize your Florida trees and palms three times a year. Take advantage of the early summer rains in Late May & early June. For the second round of fertilizing schedule fertilizing for mid- August and the third date should be in mid-October to ready your trees for the winter. As you can see, fertilizing is most necessary in the warm wet months. To learn more about fertilizing your palm trees read, The Tree Planter’s Advice on How to Fertilize Your Palm Trees. Also, check out the University of Florida’s guidelines on fertilization of Florida Trees.
Watering
At The Tree Planters, we know that watering correctly is one of the best gifts that you can give your trees. It’s important that you monitor your trees to ensure that they receive enough water. You can’t always count on rainwater to give them the optimal amount of water. Your landscape terrain may come into play with some trees in lower areas receiving more water than the trees at a higher level. They may take on too much water and need to have the drainage issue addressed. The best time to water is early in the morning or in the early evening when the day’s heat subsides.
Pruning
The summer months are not usually the best time for pruning Florida trees. An exception to the rule would be the need to prune fruit trees. A summer pruning can lead to a better harvest next year. Also, any tree with broken or hanging limbs should be pruned during the summer months. Keep in mind, that many harmful pests are abundant during the summer and a freshly pruned tree’s branches can offer a tasty meal.
Insect Pests
The summer months in Florida are notorious for having an active pest and insect population. Your palm trees should be protected from the Giant Palm Borer which is a large and quite ugly beetle. They love to munch on the wood of palm trees. The Giant Palm Borer grub can take up residence inside your palm where it will peacefully reside for about 7 years before digging a hole and escaping as a beetle. And then there is the largest North American weevil, the Palmetto Weevil. These love damaged and dying trees. They are particularly a problem for Canary and Latan palms.
Your tropical fruit trees, palms, ornamental plants, and citrus trees should be protected from a very destructive insect, the Sri Lanka weevil. These nasty little critters cause severe damage to your tree’s leaves and its larvae feed on the tree’s roots.
Other insects to keep an eye out for are mealybugs, aphids, and soft scales. The University of Florida has gathered resources that can help you identify and treat your tree to rid it of harmful insects.
Summer Storm Preparation
The hot summer months in Florida can be peppered with strong thunderstorms, as well as being at risk of tropical storms and hurricanes. Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30 but it is not unusual to have activity earlier or later than the official season.
At the end of spring or beginning of summer walk around your property and carefully examine your trees. If you notice any hanging limbs, loose palm fronds, and leaning trees. Have a professional take care of any necessary trimming and to check your tree’s health and to identify root rot.
You will also want to ensure that any newly planted trees are secured and protected before a storm hits. Falling trees and loose branches can cause extensive damage to your property during a high wind storm. Flooding is another concern that you should be aware of. After the waters recede have a professional come out and inspect your trees to make sure that they remain strong and healthy.
Taking the time to inspect and maintain your trees all summer long will help you have gorgeous trees for the rest of the year! By being diligent and seeking expert help when needed you will be well on your way to good results.
Don’t forget that The Tree Planters offers a full line of gorgeous shade, ornamental, fruit, and palm trees that would be stunning additions to any landscape. Visit our online Tree Store to learn more.
Florida’s Premiere Tree Installer, The Tree Planters located in Lakeland, is your #1 source for large, rare and exotic palms and trees. At The Tree Planters, we have installed and transplanted thousands of large trees of every variety all over Florida for over 50 years. Every tree we sell, we plant. Every tree we plant, we guarantee for One Full Year.
Questions?
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