Florida’s Grades and Standards for nursery plants are essential components of the horticulture/arboriculture industry.  This document provides the means and language for the evaluation and description of the wares of our trade.  Objective measurements of goods (and processes) provide the basis for communication between parties.  Without the disciplined application of standards – which render grades – communication, industry, integrity and accurate evaluation/valuation cannot occur.

Florida’s “Grades” are broadly applied in the evaluation of shade trees but are largely ignored in their application to palms.  This is due to a number of factors; wholesale indifference towards the “Grades” among buyers, sellers and specifiers of palms and an economic environment where price supersedes quality.

The application of Florida’s Grades and Standards has changed how we evaluate shade trees.  Now, we need to use and refine them in their application to palms.

Click here for theGrades and Standards for the Phoenix Sylvestris

For more information about Grades and Standards please click on the following link.
http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/pi/pubs.html   

Please click on the following links for The "Grades & Standards" specific manual pages:

G & S Tree Section pgs 1-27
G & S Tree Section pgs 28 - 46
G & S Tree Section Pgs 47 - 57
G & S Palms & Cycads Section