Tips for Caring For Your Phoenix Sylvestris

Now that you own a Phoenix Sylvestris you need to know how to care for your tree. We believe, and most 'experts' agree, that this is the best large Phoenix species for Florida's climate and growing conditions.
The most critical period for this tree is during planting and re-establishment. We take care to ship trees that are fully hydrated. (We request a minimum of three days notice before shipment.) Failure to maintain this hydrated condition will likely compromise the tree's success.

We recommend the following:

1. Plant the trees ASAP. If trees are being held for future planting, stand upright and apply water directly on the root ball.
   
2. Water in properly - no air pockets.
   
3. Maintain a watering schedule for several months. Apply 50 to 75 gallons of water daily directly onto the root ball for several weeks. If weather conditions are extreme or the planting environment is harsh, two applications per day may be required. Reduce frequency, and eventually amounts, as trees re-establish. This will take several months. Shrub bubblers and saucering are good ideas.
   
4. Leave heads tied up for 10 to 14 days.
   
5. Do not over fertilize when planting, especially if you don't have a very slow release fertilizer. Emphasize the phosphorus component to re-establish the root system. Approximately one month after planting apply 5 lbs. of palm fertilizer - use the best product available. For best results, use a blend that has slow release nitrogen, potassium and magnesium. Many "slow release" fertilizers have only a little slow release N and no slow release K or Mg. (The recommended ratio of these nutrients is 2 to 1 to 3 to 1, N P K & Mg, respectively.) Other secondary and tertiary nutrients should be included in the blend.