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Category: Palm Trees

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02 Jun 2023
Trimming Palm Tree Costs
0 Comments By Brett P Palm Trees

How To Trim A Queen Palm Tree

Trimming your queen palm tree can be a simple and effective DIY project. Just follow our guide below!

Queen Palm Tree Trimming Guide

Growing up to 50 feet in height, the queen palm is considered a feather palm. This tree will thrive in acidic, well-draining soils located in the U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9b-11.

Queen palms can spread up to 25 feet outward over time, featuring fronds at the top of the trunk. While these palms do drop fronds naturally, pruning can yield some immediate results for homeowners.

Step 1

  • Visually check the base of the leaf stem before removing fronds.
  • If the base is a green color, it is still alive.
  • Never remove fronds while still alive.

Step 2

  • Prune only between the months of September to November for the best results possible.
  • Do not remove too many fronds all at one time.
  • Removing too many fronds will stress the queen palm.

Step 3

  • Cut the dead fronds a few inches from the trunk using a saw.
  • Do not cut into the trunk.
  • Remove only the leaves that drop at less than a 90-degree angle from the trunk.

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If you are searching for tree service in Scottsdale, Mesa or Tempe, Liberty Tree Experts can help! Get a free tree service quote by giving Liberty a call today at 480-482-9374.

05 May 2023
How Deep Are Palm Tree Roots
0 Comments By Brett P Palm Trees

How Deep Are Palm Tree Roots?

Palm tree roots are not considered deep, as they typically go only three-feet deep into the ground. In some cases, palm tree roots will even grove above ground.

Palm Tree Roots Guide

The root systems are vital for these trees to survive and thrive. Whenever the palm tree grows, the area going into the ground is called the initiation zone. The roots begin to form in this area. Roots are typically very fine, sprawling horizontally in order to form a root ball. More roots then start to develop from the root ball.

The roots will consistently spread horizontally to get as much moisture and nutrients as possible. These horizontal root systems are in place to anchor the trees to the ground. This system will come in handy when trees must deal with a variety of inclement weather conditions.

Palm Tree Roots Grow Horizontally

Palm tree roots prefer to grow horizontally rather than growing straight down like most tree roots. These roots will spread out within the topsoil area, limited to about 12-36 inches deep. Roots spread far away from the tree trunk to absorb as much water and nutrients as possible.

If you plan to plant some large tree cultivars, then it’s recommended to keep them at least 11 feet apart and away from any underground drainage pipes.

The Root Ball

While not growing as large as the tree itself, the root ball will keep the same circumference even as it grows larger. The root ball forms as the roots expand horizontally away from the trunk. Short palms that measure 16 feet will feature a 24-inch ball diameter.

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If you are searching for tree service in Scottsdale, Mesa or Tempe, Liberty Tree Experts can help! Get a free tree service quote by giving Liberty a call today at 480-482-9374.

01 Apr 2023
How To Take Care Of Indoor Palm Tree
0 Comments By Brian B Palm Trees ,

How To Take Care Of Indoor Palm Tree

The majority of indoor palm trees and plants require very little upkeep. Follow these simple steps to care for your indoor palm tree properly.

How To Take Care Of Palm Tree Indoors

While palm plants typically have very few maintenance needs, they still require some care to survive indoors.

1. Avoid Direct Sunlight

  • Direct sunlight has been known to actually burn palm leaves, which can cause brown leaf tips and curling.
  • Keep your palm tree in partial shade or in an area that does not receive direct sunlight.

2. Keep Soil Moist

  • Indoor palm plants need a delicate balance of humidity and moisture.
  • Either mist the leaves or place the plant in a room with a running humidifier.
  • Palm plants are susceptible to root rot when exposed to an excessive amount of moisture.
  • Ensure a healthy growing process by draining your containers of excess water.
  • Leaves will eventually develop brown tips if left too long without water.

3. Prune Occasionally

  • It’s important to prune off any dead brown leaves to keep the plant thriving.
  • Refrain from over pruning the leaves, though, as this is a main source of nutrition.

4. Keep Any Pests Away

  • These plants are prone to mealybugs and spider mites.
  • You can treat these issues with insecticidal soaps.

5. Use Fertilizer

  • Specialized palm fertilizers can provide crucial nutrients like magnesium, iron and potassium.
  • Use this fertilizer a few times each year.

Liberty Tree Care Offers Tree Services in Scottsdale, Mesa & Tempe

If you are searching for tree service in Scottsdale, Mesa or Tempe, Liberty Tree Experts can help! Get a free tree service quote by giving Liberty a call today at 480-482-9374.

25 Oct 2022
What Are Palm Fronds
0 Comments By Brian B Palm Trees ,

What Is A Palm Frond?

If you are interested in learning about palm fronds, this article will go over care, lifespan and how to dispose of these leaves.

What Are Palm Fronds?

Essentially, palm fronds are the leaves of the tree. These fronds will stay green year-round, unlike the leaves of deciduous trees that drop off in the fall. Palm fronds perform photosynthesis, providing necessary nutrients for the tree’s survival. Fronds will come in many different shapes and sizes, living up to five years, on average.

How To Care For Palm Fronds

Palm fronds do not generally require any sort of specialized care. Fronds will age naturally, growing brown over time. Refrain from cutting the frond off until it is completely brown.

Call a professional tree service if you believe the fronds to be diseased. Professionals can best assess when the time is right for removal. Do not remove any fronds prior to hurricane season, though, as the tree can sustain more damage when fronds are removed before any inclement weather.

How To Dispose Of Palm Fronds

Fallen fronds can be several feet long, which do not decompose easily. It’s recommended to run the fallen fronds through a wood chipper prior to letting them decompose entirely. Even with the help of a chipper, this process will take a long time to complete. Contact a professional service if you need any help disposing of the fronds.

Liberty Tree Care Offers Tree Services in Scottsdale, Mesa & Tempe

If you are searching for tree service in Scottsdale, Mesa or Tempe, Liberty Tree Experts can help! Get a free tree service quote by giving Liberty a call today at 480-482-9374.

17 Feb 2022
Avocado Trees In Arizona
0 Comments By Brian B Palm Trees ,

Avocado Trees In Arizona

Is it possible to grow avocado trees in Arizona? Yes, it is!

This post will cover:

  • Best avocado trees for Arizona’s climate.
  • Best site to plant the trees.
  • How to plant avocado trees.
  • Watering the avocado trees.
  • Fertilizing the avocado trees.
  • Pest control.

Best Types Of Avocado Trees In Arizona

There is a wide variety of avocado trees, but some will do better in different climates. With the extreme heat of the Arizona desert, choosing the right avocado tree is crucial. Mexican and Guatemalan avocado trees tend to do the best in the valley of the sun.

Avocado Tree Site Selection

This pertains to where you plan on planting your avocado tree. Choose an area that is protected from the wind and has fast draining soil. This means a sandy soil type is better equipped for avocado trees than clay. Make sure to prep the soil in the area before planting the tree. Mix in some compost to ensure available nutrients. The should end up being half sand and half compost.

Plant the tree in an area that receives sunlight in the morning and shade in the evening. Avocado trees do not enjoy being exposed to harsh sunlight during the hottest parts of the day in the afternoon. Try to plant your tree on the east side of your lawn.

Avocado Tree

Planting Avocado Trees

To properly plant an avocado tree, dig a hole 2 to 3 times the width of the container and the same depth. Before placing the tree in the hole, saturate the hole with water and wait for the water to drain completely. After the water has drained, you can now place the avocado tree in the hole.

Gently pack in the mixed soil, compost and sand around the root ball. Next, create a little berm or moat of raised soil surrounding the base of the plant with soil and fill it with water. This should be about 4 inches high, which helps contain the water so it can be delivered to the root ball.

Watering Avocado Trees

During the growing months (mainly spring), you will need to give the tree a good soaking at least once a month. The hotter months will call for a good soaking twice a month. Then, you will need to irrigate the avocado tree for a few hours to push the salt away from the root ball.

Fertilizing Avocado Trees

Standard fertilizers with salt or sodium should NOT be used for avocado trees. These ingredients can harm the tree’s growth. It is recommended to use fish emulsion at least once during the growing season. Fish fertilizers are safe and typically available at local nurseries.

Avocado Tree Pest Control

Thankfully, avocado trees do not have any natural pests since they are not native to Arizona. Check with your local nursery if your tree is encountering any sort of unexpected pest issues.

Avocado

Liberty Tree Care Offers Tree Services in Scottsdale, Mesa & Tempe

If you are searching for tree service in Scottsdale, Mesa or Tempe, Liberty Tree Experts can help! Get a free tree service quote by giving Liberty a call today at 480-482-9374.

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13 Jan 2022
Caring For A Sago Palm Tree In Arizona
0 Comments By Brett P Palm Trees , , , ,

Caring For A Sago Palm Tree In Arizona

Sago palm trees are well suited for the unique climate in Arizona. Below is a how-to guide for sago palm tree care.

Taking Care Of A Sago Palm Tree

Ash trees are often a great addition to your yard when it is already filled with sago palms. Featuring large fronds, comparable in size to palms, these sago palms are cycads that are very closely related to conifers. Sago palms will grow in the 8, 9 and 10 zones of the USDA plant hardiness. Full mature sago palms can grow up to ten feet tall.

Planting A Sago Palm Tree

Where should you plant your sago palm tree? Well, these palms tend to grow the best in areas with a moderate amount of shade. If the plant receives an excess of sunlight, sunburnt foliage can occur. With partial shade, however, the leaves can grow larger. Sagos also need soil that drains well. Too much water, though, can cause issues with rot. The ideal planting conditions are a partly sandy site with a mix of compost.

Watering A Sago Palm Tree

You only need to water this plant when the soil is dry. Younger sago palms do appreciate regular irrigation. Typically, watering the plants every 5-7 days when there is little to no rainfall is ideal. Well established sago palms are usually drought resistant and will require rare waterings.

Fertilizing A Sago Palm Tree

Fertilizing the plant once per year in the spring time should be enough to keep it healthy. For this process, use one tablespoon per square foot of a 10-10-10 recipe for fertilizer. Put the fertilizer around the base of the palm, nearly 8-9 inches from the palm. Then water the fertilizer in. New foliage should appear as a healthy green color.

Sago Palm Tree Issues

These palms trees are extremely resistant to pests and diseases. Waterlogged soil resulting in root rot is one of the more common issues with sago palms. Properly watering the plant with a well draining soil should solve the issue, though. Sago palms can tolerate very low temperatures, but some foliage may die if the temperature drops below 25 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pruning A Sago Palm Tree

Pruning is really only needed as a decoration of the sago palm. You can remove the cone from the palm carefully as long as the growing point beneath it remains undamaged. If left in place, the cone could fall off as new foliage begins to develop. If older foliage becomes tatty, cut it close to the trunk as soon as the new leaves unfold.

Treating A Sick Sago Palm Tree

The sago palm is sick when it starts yellowing. When nutritional deficiencies are present, feed the palm houseplant fertilizer every month. If the sago palm is indoors, try hand picking them off or placing it outdoors, allowing natural predators to eliminate the yellowing.

Palm Tree Removal Scottsdale

Liberty Tree Experts offers palm tree removal in Scottsdale, Arizona. If you are a homeowner in the Scottsdale area our team of trained, licensed, are insured tree cutting professionals that are knowledgable in palm tree removal. Each one of our technicians understands safe tree removal and cutting protocols and will get the job done quickly and safely. Call us at 480-481-1815 to schedule an appointment or for more information.

14 Dec 2021
Do Palm Trees Grow Back?
0 Comments By Brett P Palm Trees

Do Palm Trees Grow Back?

Whenever a palm tree is cut at its trunk level, it will NOT grow back. Palm tree growth can only occur at base level referred to as the growing tip, which is located at the base of the trunk. Severing this part of the tree will terminate the palm’s life. The growth process will differ based on the species of the palm.

Let’s take a look at the differences below!

Single-Trunk Palm Trees

The tip is better known as the crownshaft of single-trunk palm species. Severing off this growing tip of the tree will effectively terminate the life of the palm. The trunk will never be able to sprout a growing tip in place of its now missing crownshaft. Additionally, without the extra foliage to synthesize incoming light, the palm will quickly become weak and begin to rot. If removal of the palm’s tip is necessary, the suggestion here is to remove the rest of the tree as well and replace it with a brand new palm.

Some common examples of single-trunk palms include the Royal Palm, Cabbage Palm, Christmas Palm and Mexican Fan Palm.

Clustering Palm Trees

Clustering palms differ in many ways from single-trunk palms. For example, these palms feature multiple trunk stems, meaning it is possible to shave away some trunks without killing the tree. If the individual trunk is removed solely, though, the palm will not be able to heal fully. If you choose to cut the palm trunks near the root level, suckering explodes from this level, eventually sprouting new and healthy tree trunks. This suckering process (rejuvenation) will only occur within a healthy clustering palm tree. Diseased or distressed palms may not generate suckers, eventually dying off entirely.

Palm Tree Trunk Wounds

Palm trees lack cambium, naturally. This is a layer of tissue located behind the tree bark, responsible for creating growth rings on the tree. Wounds inflicted on the trunk cannot repair itself, which means these wounds will remain on the palm for its entire life. Most likely, these wounds will become dry and brittle over time. Fungal infections and insects can cause major damage to the plant’s articular system.

Pruning

Several crucial factors come into play when pruning. One point of concern is to be sure not to sever the palm’s downshaft. One suggestion is to only remove the necessary amount of fronds or else the tree’s growth could be stunted. And while this may be obvious, it is also suggested to never introduce new disease to your palm. Pruning is best left to the professionals!

Palm Tree Removal Scottsdale

Liberty Tree Experts offers palm tree removal in Scottsdale, Arizona. If you are a homeowner in the Scottsdale area our team of trained, licensed, are insured tree cutting professionals that are knowledgable in palm tree removal. Each one of our technicians understands safe tree removal and cutting protocols and will get the job done quickly and safely. Call us at 480-481-1815 to schedule an appointment or for more information.

21 Oct 2021
How To Wrap A Palm Tree With Christmas Lights
1 Comments By Brian B Palm Trees , ,

How To Wrap A Palm Tree With Christmas Lights

Even if you live in southern Arizona without any chance of snow, you can still get in the Christmas spirit. One of the best ways to gear up for the holidays is by wrapping your palm tree with Christmas lights. This can be a difficult task, though, so it needs to be approached with care and safety in mind.

If you are searching for “how to wrap a palm tree with Christmas lights“, follow these five steps:

Use Proper Christmas Lights

Find brown cords for the light strands before wrapping the palm tree. This will help hide the wires and make the lights stand out even more. When you use LED lights, it will cut down on the power consumption and glow without adding excessive heat. LED lights are the safer and more energy-efficient option. Many people who wrap palm trees choose to use different colors of lights at the top and in the fronds. Make sure to read the light packaging and check to see if they are rated for outdoor use. You may need more strands than first thought, depending on both the height and width of the palm.

Wrapping The Palm Tree

Make coiled balls of the light strands in order to make them easier to handle with care. You should be able to let them unwind as you make your way around the tree. Use a light duty staple gun to secure the lights in place if they start slipping. Straddle the wire and refrain from shooting through it with the staple gun. Always use the staple gun with care, as this can become a fire hazard if not used properly. Make sure to use a ladder for hanging on higher areas of the tree.

Lighting Fronds

After you have hung all the lights onto the trunk, you need to decide if you plan on decorating the leaves and fronds at the top. Decorating the fronds can be a difficult task, at times. If you do decide to decorate the fronds, you can run a look of the lights down a frond. Secure them in place with twist ties. Light the fronds closest to you to ensure safety.

Add Power

While simply running an extension cord to the tree from the house may seem logical, you must first make sure the cord is rated for outdoor use. These cords will be rated for inclement weather, including rain and snow.

Safety First

Your safety is paramount when it comes to this task. Follow these tips to make sure you stay safe while lighting your palm tree:

  • Do not staple the strands too much. Try to use as few staples as possible, only if the strands are slipping.
  • Use outdoor lights and outdoor cords. Electricity can be a dangerous power source, and it needs to be respected.
  • Do not handle strands that are plugged in. These lights can be very hot and lead to a serious shock.

Liberty Tree Care Offers Tree Services in Scottsdale, Mesa & Tempe

If you are searching for tree service in Scottsdale, Mesa or Tempe, Liberty Tree Experts can help! Get a free tree service quote by giving Liberty a call today at 480-482-9374.

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25 Aug 2021
Palm Tree Removal Costs
0 Comments By Brian B Palm Trees , ,

Palm Tree Care

How can you care for your palm trees throughout the year? Follow our guide to properly care for your trees and guard against any potential pests and/or diseases.

Palm Tree Care Tips

Routine maintenance is needed to keep your palms at maximum health. Use these care tips below:

Soil

Compacted soil found in many urban areas does not offer the type of nutrients required for a palm tree to thrive. These trees actually acquire a lot of their nutrients from the top of the ground and topsoil. This means fertilization is needed.

Roots

Since these roots do not grow very deep into the ground, they will require occasional care. The majority of palm trees feature just one trunk. The point at the top of the trunk is known as the terminal bud. If the top gets damaged, the tree could die.

Watering

Water a new palm tree twice per week for the first six months of life. Add enough water to penetrate at least 18 inches of the soil. If the soil is sort of a sandy mix, extra water is needed. Watering requirements for older palm trees will depend on the climate.

Pruning

Yellowing or browning fronds should be removed, but refrain from trimming too close to the palm tree trunk. Bark can be easily damaged and any wounds will be used as entry points by potential pests and diseases. As new fronds grow, the older ones will die off.

Palm Tree Diseases

Inspect your palms often to watch for any potential diseases.

Bud Rot

This is a fungi that can cause the fronds to wilt and eventually perish. Total demise of the tree may follow afterwards. Mexican and California palms are especially vulnerable to bud rots.

Lethal Yellowing

First observed in the Caribbean area nearly 100 years ago, this disease eventually saw a massive outbreak in the Florida Keys and Jamaica.

Fusarium Wilt

This disease causes the fronds to start wilting, eventually losing their green color and die. When a palm gets infected, there is really no remedy for this disease.

Ganoderma Butt Rot

A newer fatal disease of Florida palms, it is caused by a fungus called Ganoderma zonatum. This will attack the base or “butt” of the tree at a height of 3-4 feet above the ground. This disease has been attacking palms since 1994.

Palm Tree Pests

Always be mindful of these potential threats to your palms.

Palm Budworm

This is a type of beetle whose larvae feeds on flowers of a large range of fan palms. These beetles are about an inch long and are pink and green in color.

Royal Palm Bug

These pests will feed on only the royal palms, but females will lay one egg a day there during the spring. They will rarely kill the tree, but they will cause considerable damage.

Giant Palm Borer

This is a large beetle that targets the wood of Phoenix and Washington species. The borer grubs can survive inside palm trees for up to 9 years.

Thrips

This is a significantly large family of insects, feeding on palm flowers and leaves. While they aren’t lethal to palms, they will cause discoloration. You may start to notice black droppings on the leaves, as well.

Palmetto Weevil

They are found in Florida, Texas and South Carolina. They have a record of infesting saw palmettos, Washington palms, Canary Island date palms, royal palms, and even coconut palms.

Liberty Tree Care Offers Tree Services in Scottsdale, Mesa & Tempe

If you are searching for tree service in Scottsdale, Mesa or Tempe, Liberty Tree Experts can help! Get a free tree service quote by giving Liberty a call today at 480-482-9374.

More Articles About Arizona Trees

10 Jun 2021
How Fast Do Palm Trees Grow?
0 Comments By Brian B Palm Trees

How Fast Do Palm Trees Grow?

There are many differing rates at which a palm tree will grow, depending on the species. For example, some palms will grow up to four-feet per year, while others may only reach a maximum height of five feet.

Palm Tree Growth Factors

The following factors will affect the growth rate of your palm trees:

  • Fertilization
  • Watering
  • Location
  • Pruning
  • Irrigation
  • Shade

These variables will all be different depending on the species of palm you desire. Always check with your local tree experts to see which type of palm is best for your property.

King Palms

The King Palm grows at a rapid rate. Soil with good moisture and lots of available nutrients will only expedite this process. Growing almost two-feet per year, the Queen Palm will grow at a quicker rate. Potting the plant in a spot where it gets only a small amount of shade will help it grow faster.

Queen Palms

Queen Palms should grow at a rate of two-feet per year. A Queen Palm plant should give you a 25-foot Queen Palm in just about 10 years time. This is a fairly high-speed growth process.

Foxtail Palms

The Foxtail Palm is considered a fast-growing palm tree. Under ideal conditions, this tree can grow up to three-feet per year, and reach a height of 30-feet in 10 years. The Foxtail Palm has a deep root stem feature that allows it to withstand even harsh drought conditions.

Mediterranean Palms

If you are looking to purchase a slow-growing palm tree, then a Mediterranean Palm could be right for you. Growing around six-inches per year, the Mediterranean won’t reach full maturity of 20 feet for a long time. These trees make a nice addition to a front or backyard, as they will visually make your property stand out.

Mexican Fan Palms

Mexican Fan Palms will grow quicker than most other palms. This is one of Arizona’s most popular choices, growing anywhere from 70 to 100-feet tall. The trees will grow up to 4-feet per year, and generally become too large for most residential properties. You are more likely to see these palms in public spaces, such as commercial properties or parks.

Liberty Tree Care Offers Tree Services in Scottsdale, Mesa & Tempe

If you are searching for tree service in Scottsdale, Mesa or Tempe, Liberty Tree Experts can help! Get a free tree service quote by giving Liberty a call today at 480-482-9374.

More Articles About Arizona Trees

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