Palm Selection

In selecting palm is like those for selecting trees. Here are some of the factors to be considered in selecting a palm. These are questions that will help you choose the right tree for the right place.

1. Why plant palm? Is it for your landscape?
2. What is the size and location of the soil or planting site? Is it large, medium, or small palm? Are there any other trees in the planting site?
3. What is your soil condition? Is the soil deep, fertile, and well drained, or is it shallow, compacted, and infertile?
4. How much maintenance are you willing to provide?

Palms

Palms are considered as trees although they are botanically different. If you observed their growth, appearance, and care is different from trees. As you can see, palms have a single truck (like coconuts) although some grow as clustering or clumping palms (like fishtails).

We can locate palm’s single growing point at the top of its truck. And this point is called the terminal bud. The palm may die of the terminal bud is injured. Unlike those trees, the roots of the palm do not thicken. Thus, palms are less likely to damage sidewalk and utilities. Palms do grow in well-watered zones. They can enhance many landscapes if they are handled with proper care.

Types of Roots on Trees

You probably observed that there are three types of roots on trees for sale.
1. Bare Root: It is usually can be seen on small trees. Bare root means no soil.
2. Root Balled: The root ball maybe located in a wire basket. The root in soil is held in place by burlap or some other fabric.
3. Container Grown: The roots and the soil is in a container.

Determining the Tree Quality

What determines tree quality? If your trees have enough sound roots to support healthy growth, a trunk free of mechanical wounds and wounds from incorrect pruning, and a strong form with well-spaced, firmly attached branches, then your trees is high quality one. If your trees have a crushed or circling roots in a small root ball or small container, a trunk with wounds from mechanical impacts or incorrect pruning, and a weak form in which multiple stems squeeze against each other or branches squeeze against the trunk, then your trees is low quality one.

Caring For Trees

We all know that baby trees should be looked some years after planting. We need to check them because growing trees need nutrients, water, sunlight and room to grow. We can help by watering, weeding, adding compost to the soil and mulch to the tree bases, and by protecting the trees from animals and the weather. You should also create a schedule of planting and maintenance tasks.

How To Plant Seedlings

This is how to plant seedlings properly:

First thing to do is to dig a hole wide and deep enough to cover the roots. Make sure to handle seedlings by the base of the stem. Remember not to bruise the bark. Second, lay down the roots straight down the hole in a natural arrangement. Take note not to bunch, spiral, double- over or bend the roots.

Did you know that stones and twigs can create air pockets that may dry out roots? Then, you should keep stones and twigs out of the hole. Third is to plant the seedlings slightly above the root collar swelling. And then cover with soil. Never bury live branches or leave any roots exposed to the air. In order to remove air pockets, tamp soil firmly with your toe, and not your heel. Finally, create a mulched area around the tree.

When to Plant Trees

The right time to plant tree depends on the climate. Plant trees before the onset of intense heat and dryness of summer or the freezing temperature of winter. It is better that newly planted trees should be exposed to moderate temperature and rainfall, thus making spring and early fall the best planting seasons. Planting trees can take place during the winter months in the southern United States, which does not experience an intense winter.