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Overhead watering question

Hilo Jason

By Hilo Jason
in DISCUSSING PALM TREES WORLDWIDE

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Hilo Jason Grand Master

Hilo Jason

Posted
Posted

I currently have all of my planted palms on a drip system and am very happy with that. But I did install a run of sprinklers along my back fence that are mounted to the top of the fence so that I can cool the yard off on a warm summers day, and also add some humidity. Will this be bad for the palms and encourage rot?

Also, a related question: I've noticed most all Palm nurseries that I visit have overhead watering in their greenhouses and shadehouses. How does this work for them and not people in their yards? I just built a small greenhouse (I call it a green closet since its so small) and I installed a few misting sprinklers at the very top and want to make sure this is ok.

Thanks for any feedback.

Jason

_Keith Grand Master

_Keith

Posted
Posted

I currently have all of my planted palms on a drip system and am very happy with that. But I did install a run of sprinklers along my back fence that are mounted to the top of the fence so that I can cool the yard off on a warm summers day, and also add some humidity. Will this be bad for the palms and encourage rot?

Also, a related question: I've noticed most all Palm nurseries that I visit have overhead watering in their greenhouses and shadehouses. How does this work for them and not people in their yards? I just built a small greenhouse (I call it a green closet since its so small) and I installed a few misting sprinklers at the very top and want to make sure this is ok.

Thanks for any feedback.

Jason

Nature waters overhead, and some of the best palm growing places in the world have extremely high amounts of rainfall. But, with all that said you are probably growing palms that prefer a Med type climate, so daily overhead water and constant humidity would not do them good due to their nature. As long as they get a chance to dry out between douses I suspect they will be just fine.

In my post I sometimes express "my" opinion. Warning, it may differ from "your" opinion. If so, please do not feel insulted, just state your own if you wish. Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or any other damages

Just1MorePalm Community Regular

Just1MorePalm

Posted
Posted

Rain water is much different than tap water...I'm not a nurseryman but I suspect they use treated water or R/O filtered water if they watered overhead...Most likely the overhead watering system is used for specific purposes...watering large amounts of flats...My guess...

  • Upvote 1
BS Man about Palms Grand Master

BS Man about Palms

Posted
Posted

The cost and the labor involved is why nurseries use overhead... you can put anything you want underneath... no "unplugging".. They assume some losses, and also tend to grow the hardier stuff. Not a pat answer.

Zone 10a at best after 2007 AND 2013, on SW facing hill, 1 1/2 miles from coast in Oceanside, CA. 30-98 degrees, and 45-80deg. about 95% of the time.

"The great workman of nature is time."   ,  "Genius is nothing but a great aptitude for patience."

-George-Louis Leclerc de Buffon-

I do some experiments and learning in my garden with palms so you don't have to experience the pain! Look at my old threads to find various observations and tips!

Hilo Jason Grand Master

Hilo Jason

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Thanks for the feedback guys, I appreciate it. I guys I will see how this summer goes with the occasional sprinkler / shower that I give the yard on hot days. If I start seeing rot or anything like that then I'll know to ease back or stop all together.

  • Upvote 1
Tyrone Grand Master

Tyrone

Posted
Posted

If you have good water quality (ie not full of calcium, salt or iron) there is nothing wrong with overhead watering. You probably save a lot of water by watering the soil though. I think it's a great myth that overhead watering rots things, unless of course you are in a marginal climate for the species you are growing.

Best regards

Tyrone

Millbrook, "Kinjarling" Noongar word meaning "Place of Rain", Rainbow Coast, Western Australia 35S. Warm temperate. Csb Koeppen Climate classification. Cool nights all year round.

 

 

BS Man about Palms Grand Master

BS Man about Palms

Posted
Posted

Tyrone, that kinda sums up So Cal.... marginal climate with crappy water..... thus the fear of overhead watering here...

Zone 10a at best after 2007 AND 2013, on SW facing hill, 1 1/2 miles from coast in Oceanside, CA. 30-98 degrees, and 45-80deg. about 95% of the time.

"The great workman of nature is time."   ,  "Genius is nothing but a great aptitude for patience."

-George-Louis Leclerc de Buffon-

I do some experiments and learning in my garden with palms so you don't have to experience the pain! Look at my old threads to find various observations and tips!

BeaumontTropics Proficient

BeaumontTropics

Posted
Posted

Tyrone, that kinda sums up So Cal.... marginal climate with crappy water..... thus the fear of overhead watering here...

speak for yourself, bill! I do have crappy weather, my water is fantastic! Not to mention my hot arid windy dusty conditions make it essential for overhead watering to help prevent dessication. If i had all that moisture and salinity in the air like some good fortunate folks, (wont mention any names...) then a good drip line would probably more than suffice.

Living in the valley of the dirt people in the inland empire, "A mullet on every head and a methlab in every kitchen." If you can't afford to live in the tropics, then bring the tropics to you!

BS Man about Palms Grand Master

BS Man about Palms

Posted
Posted

Are you sure your water is that good? Do you have well water? or high rainfall?

I think the TDS is higher than you think... I'm sure it "drinks" fine though... :)

Zone 10a at best after 2007 AND 2013, on SW facing hill, 1 1/2 miles from coast in Oceanside, CA. 30-98 degrees, and 45-80deg. about 95% of the time.

"The great workman of nature is time."   ,  "Genius is nothing but a great aptitude for patience."

-George-Louis Leclerc de Buffon-

I do some experiments and learning in my garden with palms so you don't have to experience the pain! Look at my old threads to find various observations and tips!

Tyrone Grand Master

Tyrone

Posted
Posted

Don't criticise his water Bill!!!!!!! confused0065.gif I questioned his soil and well......

He lives in your country too.

wink-1.gif

Millbrook, "Kinjarling" Noongar word meaning "Place of Rain", Rainbow Coast, Western Australia 35S. Warm temperate. Csb Koeppen Climate classification. Cool nights all year round.

 

 

Dypsisdean Grand Master

Dypsisdean

Posted
Posted

I'm surprised no one has mentioned what I thought was the #1 rule when overhead watering. That is, only do it very early in the morning, preferably before the sun comes up - for many reasons. But the main reason is to give the plants the entire day to dry out, specifically the crowns and "water catching" areas prone to rot in cool weather. In addition, that is when evaporation is the least, thus wasting the least amount. Studies I have seen that measured how much water is wasted when overhead watering in the heat of the day were surprising. Also, water droplets act as little magnifying glasses when the sun is intense and has been known to burn tender plant tissue. Think about it, it never rains when it is bright and sunny.

I overhead watered my entire garden in SoCal for 30 years without problems - but had the timers set for 2-5 AM. You also get the best water pressure during those times.

animated-volcano-image-0010.gif.71ccc48bfc1ec622a0adca187eabaaa4.gif

Kona, on The Big Island
Hawaii - Land of Volcanoes

Tyrone Grand Master

Tyrone

Posted
Posted

I'm surprised no one has mentioned what I thought was the #1 rule when overhead watering. That is, only do it very early in the morning, preferably before the sun comes up - for many reasons. But the main reason is to give the plants the entire day to dry out, specifically the crowns and "water catching" areas prone to rot in cool weather. In addition, that is when evaporation is the least, thus wasting the least amount. Studies I have seen that measured how much water is wasted when overhead watering in the heat of the day were surprising. Also, water droplets act as little magnifying glasses when the sun is intense and has been known to burn tender plant tissue. Think about it, it never rains when it is bright and sunny.

I overhead watered my entire garden in SoCal for 30 years without problems - but had the timers set for 2-5 AM. You also get the best water pressure during those times.

Many good points there Dean. A lot of nurseries over here overhead water at noon. It probably is done to increase humidity though.

Best regards

Tyrone

Millbrook, "Kinjarling" Noongar word meaning "Place of Rain", Rainbow Coast, Western Australia 35S. Warm temperate. Csb Koeppen Climate classification. Cool nights all year round.

 

 

BeaumontTropics Proficient

BeaumontTropics

Posted
Posted

Are you sure your water is that good? Do you have well water? or high rainfall?

I think the TDS is higher than you think... I'm sure it "drinks" fine though... :)

I'm sure the fluoride levels are higher than what you'll find in the natural rainfall they have in Hawaii no doubt. I'd be willing to bet a six pack of your finest dr pepper that not only does our water drink better, it's cleaner for the plants as well. It might not be as warm though..What with that gnarly sdg&e plant cooking electricity with crazy amounts of natural gas right on the ocean in carlsbad not too far from you!

-FINS

-eric

Living in the valley of the dirt people in the inland empire, "A mullet on every head and a methlab in every kitchen." If you can't afford to live in the tropics, then bring the tropics to you!

BeaumontTropics Proficient

BeaumontTropics

Posted
Posted

Don't criticise his water Bill!!!!!!! confused0065.gif I questioned his soil and well......

He lives in your country too.

wink-1.gif

Tyrone,

What happened to the water under the hatchet, buried bridge, thingy????

-FINS BROTHER!

Living in the valley of the dirt people in the inland empire, "A mullet on every head and a methlab in every kitchen." If you can't afford to live in the tropics, then bring the tropics to you!

Hilo Jason Grand Master

Hilo Jason

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Thanks for the tip on the AM watering Dean. Makes lots of sense!

BeaumontTropics Proficient

BeaumontTropics

Posted
Posted

I'm surprised no one has mentioned what I thought was the #1 rule when overhead watering. That is, only do it very early in the morning, preferably before the sun comes up - for many reasons. But the main reason is to give the plants the entire day to dry out, specifically the crowns and "water catching" areas prone to rot in cool weather. In addition, that is when evaporation is the least, thus wasting the least amount. Studies I have seen that measured how much water is wasted when overhead watering in the heat of the day were surprising. Also, water droplets act as little magnifying glasses when the sun is intense and has been known to burn tender plant tissue. Think about it, it never rains when it is bright and sunny.

I overhead watered my entire garden in SoCal for 30 years without problems - but had the timers set for 2-5 AM. You also get the best water pressure during those times.

you're right dean, that does make sense. Especially the part about your overhead watering system being set to a timer from 2-5am. Getting up that early every other day would get old quick!

Living in the valley of the dirt people in the inland empire, "A mullet on every head and a methlab in every kitchen." If you can't afford to live in the tropics, then bring the tropics to you!

DoomsDave Grand Master

DoomsDave

Posted
Posted

Jason:

For what it's worth, I have no drip, except when a hose leaks . . . .

All of my watering is overhead, and most palms rock the house. The failures I've had usually don't have anything to do with overhead watering.

The only palms, in my experience, that will give you problems with overhead watering are the really deserty types, like Braheas, Hyaphaene, and, maybe, Ravenea xerophylla (maybe).

I think your idea will rock, especially in the summer. You could create a Fernando Lamas (mah-velous) microclimate for tropicals that might not otherwise make it.

I say, try it, and let us know what works. (And, come to the PSSC meeting a week from Saturday.)

dave

Let's keep our forum fun and friendly.

Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or lost profits or revenue, claims by third parties or for other similar costs, or any special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of my opinion or the use of this data. The accuracy or reliability of the data is not guaranteed or warranted in any way and I disclaim liability of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for quality, performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use, or inability to use my data. Other terms may apply.

Hilo Jason Grand Master

Hilo Jason

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Thanks Dave. I'll see you in a couple weeks at that meeting. Should be a good one!

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