OTC Palm Injections & Palm Fertilization
Certain varieties of palms in Florida are at risk of contracting a deadly disease called Lethal Bronzing. Palms infected with this disease go into rapid decline and often die completely in a short period of time. And while Lethal Bronzing is 100% fatal after infection and currently there is no cure, OTC (oxytetracycline) injections offer a preventative measure for your palms to greatly reduce the risk of infection.
Healthy palms will also greatly benefit from regular fertilization. Slow-release, granular fertilizers help to replenish the nutrients lost in the soil over time. These nutrients are vital components in the over all health of the plant and should be added back to the soil regularly.
For more information on Lethal Bronzing, visit the University of Florida's website at the link below..
Plant Healthcare
Unlike trees located in their natural forested setting, urban trees can need supplemental fertilization to replenish nutrients in the soil. The breakdown of leaf litter and fallen debris does not occur in the urban environment. Because of this, nutrient deficiencies within the soil often occur. The combined factors of soil compaction, the presence of turf grass, and poor soil aeration further contribute to the stresses of urban trees. Our plant healthcare division has the knowledge and equipment to offer a number of options to best suit your stressed trees.
Soil Aeration is the process of using compressed air to loosen compacted soil around the tree's root mass. This allows the roots to achieve proper gas exchange and water & nutrient uptake. As well as promoting the growth of beneficial fungi known as Mycorrhizae.
Deep Root Fertilization is a targeted means of improving the chemical composition of the soil around the root mass of the tree. While traditional granular fertilizers are effective, they come with added concerns such as possible uneven distribution around the root zone of the tree, or runoff into stormwater drains or local waterways during heavy rains. Injections deliver organic fertilizers directly into the root zone of the soil in a precise grid pattern around the tree to ensure correct distribution. And since it is applied deep into the soil, there are no concerns of runoff.
Growth Regulators are shoot-development suppressors applied via foliar spray, or basal drench around the base of the tree. Regulators are often recommended when a tree is in decline due to a root-related issue as they suppress the production of a hormone called Gibberellic Acid. Gibberellic Acid is a key contributor in the development of the shoots that form the canopy of the tree. The application of regulators greatly slows shoot development and diverts the tree's energy into the strengthening and new development of root mass.
Our Certified Arborists can prescribe a custom plant healthcare program to ensure optimal tree health.
