Palms for the Landscape
I was asked to give some information about palms like I do for trees in the landscape. Without any particular order or preference, I will discuss a few used in the landscape in Louisiana.
One commonly used here is the Butia Palm or pindo palm. The scientific name is Butia capitata. It can reach heights of 20 feet but usually averages around 10-12 feet. Widely used because it is among the more winter hardy palms and highly adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions. Does well in full sunlight and porous, well drained soils.
Brief Recognition Factors
- Long pinnate leaves.
- Bluish gray foliage.
- Bright orange edible fruit.
- Good palm for urban settings.
- Good for coastal area plantings.
- Tolerant of salt spray and wind.
Some problems or concerns
- Can require a large space for mature specimens.
- Low freezing temperatures will often damage the foliage.
- A disease of the crown bud can get into mature specimens and kills them.
- Relatively slow growing.
Overall, this is a good palm to use in our area and many are seen throughout the parish.
Facts on Palms
We are used to transplanting most trees and shrubs in the late fall and winter. The best time to transplant palms is in the spring and summer (April through August). Reason is the soil is warm and it gives the roots time to grow vigorously.
For established palms, fertilization should be done twice a year in mid-April and again in mid-June. Rates of ½ to ¾ pound per 100 square feet of root spread is recommended. Irrigate thoroughly after fertilizing.
Palm Pests
Some of the more common insects found on palms are scales, caterpillars, mealybugs, wasps, and termites will attack the trunks of older palms. To control scale and mealybugs, use Orthene or a summer oil spray. Malathion can also be used. To control caterpillars or other leaf eating beetles, use Sevin. Also, for caterpillars, biological controls such as Dipel, biological Worm Control or Thuricide can be used.
Checklist and What to look for now
- Still too early to fertilize lawns. Mid April after one or two mowings is when you should fertilize.
- Termites begin to swarm at this time of year. Inspect in and around house or have a Pest Control Operator inspect for termites.
- Stinkhorn Mushrooms – getting a lot of calls about odd shaped and red-to-orange colored smelly shaped things in flower beds. There are called stinkhorn mushrooms. They live on decaying organic matter in the soil. Remove with “gloved hands” and discard.
Terrebonne Parish 4-H Centennial Reunion
Are you a former 4-H Alumnus? If so, the Terrebonne Parish 4-H would like to invite you to the 2008 Centennial 4-H Reunion. If you are interested in attending this reunion hosted by the Terrebonne Parish Farm Bureau and the LSU AgCenter on Wednesday, May 7, 2008, at the Terrebonne Parish Main Branch Library and learning more about the current 4-H program and seeing other 4-H alumni, contact the 4-H office at 985-873-6495 or email us at shill@agcenter.lsu.edu or croger@agcenter.lsu.edu to add your name to the invitation list.
Vegetables to Plant in March
Snap beans, Swiss card, radish, lettuce, collards, mustard, turnips, cabbage, broccoli and sweet corn. Transplant tomatoes, peppers and eggplant. Plant cantaloupes, squash, cucumber and watermelon.
Question – Besides trees, can grasses cause allergies?
Answer – Besides trees, weeds and grasses also pollinate in the spring and fall. Top of the list include: ragweed, dock, amaranth, pigweed, lambs’ quarters, orchard grass, Bermuda grass, Johnson grass, Bahia grass, rye and Timothy.