For the April program, members were treated to a presentation by an expert in palm trees, Dr. Mica McMillan, Assistant Professor, Palm Horticulture Specialist at the Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center. Dr. McMillan has worked as a researcher focused on improving plant and soil health for growing palm and ornamental plants from seed, including fertilization, uptake of nutrients, and basic maintenance and upkeep.
One of the easiest ways to improve palm tree health is to prune correctly. Often, palm trees are cut back severely prior to hurricane season, thinking this will prevent damage in case of a windstorm. She described this as lopping of all fronds except at the very top, giving the palm tree a ‘Dr. Suess’ look. Experience has shown that this does not protect the ball of the fronds sufficiently, causing decline and even death in palms. A guideline for proper pruning of palm trees, according to Dr. McMillan, is to think of the frond canopy as a ‘clock’ and only cut fronds below the 3 o’clock- 9 o’clock line. She also stressed not to cut off the healthy green fronds.
She also recommended using a good palm fertilizer, spreading it below the center of the fronds, in about a 2-foot radius around the trunk, (not too close to the trunk). She also commented that palm fertilizer is also good for all of your landscape since it contains a balanced mix of essential plant nutrients.
The group enjoyed her presentation, asking many questions about their palms and landscaping.
This presentation was one of several this program year focusing on gardening topics.
