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1. Choose the Right Tree for the Right Place

Start with one of the most important
principles: Right Plant, Right Place.
Matching plants and trees
to the correct spot helps them grow healthier and last longer.

Consider your site conditions:

• Sunlight: Is the area sunny all day, partly shaded, or fully shaded?
• Soil moisture: Does the soil drain quickly or stay wet after rain?
• Space: Make sure there’s some room for the plant to grow to its full size without crowding.

2. Planting the Right Way

Planting correctly from the start is key to long-term plant health

Digging the hole:

• Dig 1.5-2 times wider than the root ball.
• Keep the depth slightly shallower than the root ball. Aim to plant your tree about 2” above the existing soil grade. It is much better to plant a tree a little too high than a too low. Planting trees too deep is one of the most common mistakes that people make.

Placing the plant:

• Locate the root flare (where trunk meets roots).
• Make sure it sits just above ground level and is visible.

Backfilling:

• Use the original soil from the hole. If your soil is of particularly poor quality, it can be helpful to amend the backfill with a potting mix, topsoil, or other nutrient rich soil. Mostly, this is not necessary, but in some conditions it can be very helpful.
• Gently firm the soil around the roots.
• Water thoroughly right after planting. This step is critical. At this very moment, you should add so much water that the soil becomes soupy and muddy. It will help to ensure there are no air pockets left behind.

Build a berm (raised ring):

• Mound soil around the edge of the planting hole.
• This forms a water reservoir to help water reach the roots.

3. Watering, Establishing Strong Roots

Watering properly in the first few months is critical. (Some species might need more or less water. Please ask a staff member.)

First 2 weeks:

• Fill the berm 3 times in a row to soak the root ball, once a day.
• If you have a water-loving tree or if it is hot outside (May-September) please extend the daily watering to 1 month.
• If your tree is 4” caliper (typically 12-14’ tall or greater) please increase to 5 fill ups of the tree berm.

Months 2 - 6:

• Water 2-3 times a week or as needed, depending on weather.

Months 6 - 12:

• Water once a week or as needed, depending on weather.

Pro tip: Do the “Touch Test”: Feel about 2-3 inches into the soil. If dry, water. If moist, wait.

Slow Soak Method: Let a hose trickle slowly at the base for 15-30 minutes.

4. Mulching for Moisture & Soil Health

Mulch does more than make your landscape look neat, it plays a key role in helping your plants thrive.

Why Mulch?

• Retains moisture by reducing evaporation, so plants need less frequent watering.
• Improves soil health as it breaks down over time, adding organic matter.
• Suppresses weeds and helps soil temperature.

How to mulch properly:

• Spread a 2-3 inch layer over the root zone.
• Keep mulch 6-12 inches away from the trunk or stems to prevent rot.
• Extend mulch out to the plant’s dripline (the area under the outermost branches).

5. Fertilizing (But Not Too Soon!)

Don't rush to fertilize, give your plant time to settle in first. Most plants and trees come with some granular fertilizer in the root ball or on top of it. Fertilizer is not the key to the transition process. Good planting technique and water are the keys to early success.

Wait 2-3 months after planting before applying fertilizer.

• Use during the plant’s active growing season.
• Follow label directions carefully.
• Avoid fertilizing in fall or winter to prevent stress.

6. Follow Up

Congratulations on your new addition to your landscaping. We’re here to help you succeed. If you notice your plant is struggling contact us right away. Early help makes a big difference. The sooner you can let us know if you’re concerned, the better we can help fix the issue. The easiest way to reach us is info@libertylandscapesupply.com and send some pictures!

Watering

One of the most important aspects of a successful tree transplant is water. Too much water can be just as bad as too little. A newly planted tree needs more water than established trees and all watering instructions are subject to change pending the natural rainfall that we receive.

A “berm” was created around your palm tree to ensure water reaches the root ball. Do not disturb this mound for at least 30 days; doing so may prevent the root ball from getting proper moisture. Fill the berm with water and let it saturate the ground. Repeat this 3 times one right after the other. Follow this process every day for the next 2 weeks.For the first 2 weeks, fill the berm with a water hose 3 times allowing the water to percolate in between each filling. For weeks 3 and 4, repeat this process every other day.
There are some species that may like more or less water than others, please see your sales representative for more information.

If the head of your palm tree was left tied up at installation; some species prefer this, others do not, after 30 days it is time to un-tie your palm.

Pruning

The only pruning you should ever have to perform on your Palm Tree is the removal of dead fronds at the lowest point of the “head”. These are the oldest fronds; all newly developing fronds are “feeding” off the oldest. If you remove these oldest fronds too soon, you are depriving the new growth of vital nutrition.

Fertilizing

Though considered low-maintenance, your palm tree needs to be fertilized 3x/year. If not properly fed, you will see signs of malnutrition. Spotted, yellowing fronds are the first indication that fertilizer is needed. These fronds are un-attractive, yet necessary, to the overall health of the tree. Do not remove them until completely browned.

Liberty Landscape Supply carries a specially formulated fertilizer recommended by the University of Florida and Cooperative Extension Offices. 8-2-12 should be applied 3 times per year in order to maintain optimal health for your palm. We fertilize the palms in our field March, June, and September. Depending on the purchase and installation of your palm, follow up fertilizing should be done in one of these months.

Magnesium deficiency is common in Florida and Southeast Georgia. Applying magnesium sulphate, in addition to 8-2-12, is recommended.

Congratulations on the newest addition to your landscape! We hope this information will guide you in keeping your palm healthy and happy! As always, we welcome your questions and pictures whether you bought something from us or not. Please let us know if we can help.