Nutrition is crucial to palm tree health 
From extreme weather to destructive pests and diseases, Florida’s iconic palm trees are fighting for their health every day. Now there’s a new problem to contend with: malnutrition.
Recent studies have shown that many palms in the Sunshine State are lacking the nutrients they require to stay healthy and strong. One area of particular concern is potassium. According to the University of Florida, “Potassium deficiency can cause older palm leaves to drop prematurely. In severe cases, the canopy will contain only a few leaves, all of which will be frizzled and stunted. The trunk will begin to taper, and death of the palm often follows.”
Compounding the problem is the high number of new subdivisions that have popped up across the state in recent years. Far too often, the palms brought into these new landscapes are planted in sandy soil that lacks potassium and other key nutrients.
While potassium deficiencies are problematic, they are also treatable. Regular applications of potassium-rich fertilizer will help palm trees bounce back and regain their vigor — but it may not happen overnight. For trees that have been left untreated it might take as long as three years to see visible improvement. It’s also important to take into consideration the type of fertilizer. For example, turf fertilizers used in close proximity to a palm may contain high levels of nitrogen that will reduce potassium levels even further.
