Transplanting Palm Trees. Palm trees are easy to plant if you follow some simple rules. As landscapers for over 30 years, we have installed palms in every season. Remember not to transplant your palms deeper than they were originally grown. Good drainage will keep your palm from getting saturated and damaging the root system. While watering needs to be deep and the root ball needs to be kept moist, the soil should never be saturated. We use Superthrive plant stimulator exclusively at Woodland Nursery to prevent transplant shock and to facilitate growth and development of newly planted palms. The 50 vitamins and hormones in Superthrive help prevent transplant shock, complement absorption of fertilizer nutrients, and stimulate growth. Superthrive plant stimulator is available at Woodland Nursery.

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The Beginning Determines the End. Give your monocots (palms) and cycads the start they deserve with quality planting soils and amendments. Superior palm specimens start with nutrient-rich soils optimally blended for healthy growth and transition. Improving soil conditions boosts nutrient absorption and improves disease resistance in your trees. All of our palms at Woodland Nursery are propagated and nurtured in Peirano* custom blend soils. It costs more...but the quality of our palms speak for themselves. Always seek professional advice on the installation of your trees to insure successful transplantation and optimal growth. (*Peirano Top Soils, Escondido CA, 760.740.9191)

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Fertilizers. Palm trees require proper soil nutrients for healthy growth and to ward off disease and fungus. To insure that your palm tree investment grows and develops to its full potential we recommend that you use fertilizers specifically formulated for palms. Palm tree fertilizers like Apex Palm Plus* contain controlled release nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium along with a complete trace mineral profile that includes calcium, magnesium, sulfur, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, and zinc that palms need to thrive. Apex Fertilizers are widely regarded as one of the most reliable controlled release fertilizer delivery systems available. Their palm specific fertilizer increases the effectiveness of nutrient uptake in your palms resulting in healthier, more disease resistant palms. We use Apex Fertilizer exclusively at Woodland Nursery because we know it works and it is easy to apply. (*Apex Palm Plus is available at Woodland Nursery.)

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Watering...too little or too much? Palm trees need regular and proper watering. Too much water and your palm's root structure will rot or your tree will develop fungus, algae, or susceptibility to disease. Over watering also stunts root development. Signs of over-watering include yellowing leaves, soft or rotting trunk, and foul smelling soil around the base of the palm. Too little water and your palm will display stunted growth and foliage with skinny trunk development, brown leaf tips, and prematurely dropping foliage. Proper watering is crucial to healthy development of your palm trees, especially during the first several months. Never permit the soil around your palms to completely dry out. Use a moisture meter to test when in doubt.

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Fertilizing Schedule. Because California soils are generally of higher quality and rainfall is low, fertilization requirements are less intensive because the soil's nutrient holding capacity is relatively good. Fertilize three times per year in spring, summer, and fall with a palm specific, controlled release fertilizer product like Apex Palm Plus.* The fertilizer should be broadcast under the canopy of the tree. In order to avoid injury to emerging roots, do not place fertilizer against the palm tree trunk. Follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding quantity of fertilizer per foot of tree height. (*Apex Palm Plus is available at Woodland Nursery.)

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Healthy Palm Markers. Robust trunk girth, dark green trunk color, and rich green foliage are all markers of a quality palm tree. Similarly, palm fur that grows on the trunk is a sign of a vigorous palm specimen. Never power wash or hose off your palms with the intent of washing off or removing the fur. Palm fur growing on the trunk is good...a sign of a healthy, robust and thriving palm.

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