the palm tree about three to four times a week during the summer. And when possible, avoid getting the
fronds wet. As the suns rays are amplified by the water droplets, leaf burn might result.
How much water should you give palm trees?
Knowing how often and how much to water your palm tree is crucial if you want to maintain it healthy and
stress-free. Root rot and other potentially fatal problems can occur when palm trees receive an excess of
water, while a lack of water stunts their development.
Ideally an established palm tree will benefit most from two or three weekly deep waters.
And this also depends on a number of factors; the timing is affected by factors such as the growing
circumstances, temperature, and weather… Yet it is good to establish a regular schedule for feeding your
palms to ensure the long-term health and beauty of your landscape trees.
Although palm trees individual watering requirements may vary by species, most palms do best when
provided with a steady supply of water. And then the frequency of watering a palm tree depends on how
old the tree is. With a freshly planted ‘new’ palm tree, it’s to be watered every day for the first week for
optimal growth. Your ‘new’ palm tree will then need watering every other day beginning in week two. And
then the ‘new’ palm tree will need three weekly waters beginning in week three until it is well-established.
Which also means that your palm tree probably won’t need extra watering or supplemental irrigation if
there’s been a lot of recent rain; as such, it’s best to watch and be aware of these things. Because by doing
this, you’ll be rewarded with great future results with your palm tree development and good health.
Yet, on the other hand watering of your palm trees will probably need to be increased during the hot, dry
weather. And then it’s most likely you’ll also need to ease off on the palm trees watering schedule during
the cooler months of the year. You need watch and be aware of these things and act accordingly.
And Now For The Most Regularly Asked Question…
How Often Should Palms Be Watered?
Basically there are three key things to consider…
1. Soil Moisture Testing
The simplest method is to observe the surrounding soil to see if it is dry. This is the best way to know when
to water the tree. You could also use a soil moisture metre, or your finger, or even use a shovel and feel
the soil and figure out whether or not it needs watering. The more you do this the better you’ll be at it.
Finding a dry finger’s depth into the soil is an indication that your palm tree probably needs a watering.
Also you can use a small shovel/spade to dig a few inches down and check for dry soil. Note: the soil ideally
should also be left ‘unwatered’ if it is still moist after a few days.
Generally palm trees do a whole lot better if you don’t pamper them too much and they are allowed to
become slightly too dry rather than watered too frequently. It’s a bit of ‘test-and-measure’ thing.
I’ts best to water palm plants slowly and thoroughly down to their roots, with a ‘trickle-down’ method (a
soaker hose system is one of the best ways to do this). Ideally you want to get water down into the root
system of the palm tree.
When watering a palm tree too heavily too quickly you’ll more than likely discover that this method might
cause water to evaporate before it has a chance to permeate the soil; thus making your palm tree roots
too dry and in need of additional water. Ideally water till the soil is thoroughly moist but not soaked.
And remember it’s better to water early or late in the day because that’s when it’s coolest.
2. Over-watering and its Symptoms
With over-watering it usually the lack of proper or insufficient irrigation is what’s initially visible on the
foliage. It’s a good idea to take regular notice of your palm tree foliage to identify a watering issue earlier
on, because this is when it’s easier to fix.
Generally a palm tree that’s received excess or too much water will typically have wilted canopy and/or
discoloured foliage (typically yellow or brown). And if you have overwatered your palm tree, any newly
emerging leaves may look brown or begin to brown off. Not a good place to be… cut back on watering!
3. Under-watering and its Symptoms
Importantly yet not as critical, is if you observe the leaves on palm trees that are dry and brown. This can
be an indication that they require water. And the browning of the older leaves mostly occurs first at their
tips, yet weakness or wilting could also start up among the palm leaves.
As said before, if you see these indicators, you should examine the soil moisture level by carefully digging
down around the root ball. If you find these leaf problems persist, maybe try watering the plant more
frequently, ideally using a drip system.
And be careful not to overdo the new watering by ‘submerging’ your palm tree for long periods of time as
this may affect it as well and potentially stunt its development.
Trust this has been of help for a successful result in the growing of your palm trees…
Feel free to contact us for your palm tree maintenance and/or removal and/or purchases of mature palm
trees. And remember, ABC Palm’s team is just a phone call away on 0477022110, so give us a call for an
obligation free inspection and quote on what can be possible for you…
