Fertilization and the Drip Line

[_Keith]

OK, old pros, weigh in on where to put fertilizer on palms. Next to the root ball, the drip line, somewhere in between, outside the drip line? Give up the knowledge, man.

[JLeVert]

I fertilize outside the drip line on established palms: make them come and get it. For new transplants, I fertilize lightly, but right at the edge of where the root ball meets the real soil. I have already fertilized some palms (Sabals, Butia, Washingtonia) with 10-10-10 and Epsom Salts. I think that they do better in my sandy soil if they have a constant supply of nutrients. I'll hit all the rest in mid-January and then do the regular schedule: St. Patrick's Day, Mother's Day, Fourth of July.

[MattyB]

I just take a fist full and throw it at the trunk like a shotgun

[kahili]

I fertilize around the drip line and inwards towards the palm. I want the roots to get the fertilizer, and as palms are not the fastest growers, it doesn't make sense to me to fertilize where the roots aren't there. But I also don't fertilize right around the trunk either.

[Bill Austin]

Matty I see you use the same scientific method I use.

[MattyB]

[BS Man about Palms]

?Que es fertiliso?

[sonoranfans]

The best treatment would depend on the soil. In low drainage soils extension beyond the drip line all the way to the trunk, chucking handfulls makes plenty of sense. In sandy soils, in high drainage just to the drip line would make more sense as fertilizer/water doesnt travel much horizontally and isnt retained very long by the soil. The lower the drainage, the more horizontal diffusion of fertilizer. I would also not fertilize too heavily near the trunk without a good time release fertilizer as it may cause even more root burn if you over apply.

[Moose]

I fertilize around the drip line and inwards towards the palm. I want the roots to get the fertilizer, and as palms are not the fastest growers, it doesn't make sense to me to fertilize where the roots aren't there. But I also don't fertilize right around the trunk either.

Actually - from the drip line in towards the trunk, there are very few 3rd order roots that do the majority of nurtient absorbing. At the drip line and out about a couple of feet is best. A light application is ok as there is some mineral salt uptake. On a very established palm - you would be shocked how far the roots spread out. I have found palm roots 20 ft from the closest palm when digging.

[kahili]

Thanks Ron, that makes sense. Most of my larger palms also get fert from me fertilizing plants near them as well then! Others, I am restricted from fertilizing farther out because of the lawn. Not feeding the grass! lol