Monday, February 18, 2008

Today I planted the Foxtail Palm Tree ( Wodyetia bifurcata ) that I purchased the other day. I think I got a pretty good deal at $15.00 for a 5 foot tree. I was just bouncing around the other day with my buddy Brandan when we stumbled upon a few really good nursery's just north of us about 15-20 miles. I only wish money grew on tree's, I would grow a whole field of them. Needless to say I went home with some goodies but not everything I would liked to have gone home with. But I will return!! Back to the subject, I had a grapefruit tree in the yard that was uprooted by the hurricanes and blown right over. I chopped the tree down hoping it would die. Well it was a pretty tough tree, and started growing again. I was letting it grow for a while when I heard that once you cut down a fruit tree it is no good anymore even if it grows back. The fruit will be sour and no where near as good as it was at first. So I dug the tree completely out of the ground today( with the help of my dog ), and utilized the space. I figured I already dug this hole I might as well use it. So, I planted the Foxtail palm tree where the grapefruit tree was. I think it looks pretty good there. After planting the Foxtail I put overlapping layers of cardboard around the tree and soaked them with water to get them to stick together. I overlapped them to create a light tight seal. Then to be absolutely sure that it was light tight I overlapped some more with newspaper and sprayed to get the paper to stick together. To finish it all off I placed about 3 inches of mulch on top of the newspaper. This will be my 2 to 3 year biodegradable weed free barrier. I used the cardboard and newspaper because it is readily available, and in most cases free, and is 100% biodegradable. When I start to see weeds it means time to re-mulch. Here are some pictures of the process. Hope you found this post usable. Feel free to let me know what you think!!













2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have three Foxtail Palms and need some help. I live in Jacksonville and bought them about two months ago. They are about 8' tall each. Anyhow, they seem to have adapted to my yard and have visible new growth. However, I am noticing that the leaves are getting rather yellowish in color and some are developing brown spots. Can you possibly tell me what the problem might be? They are really unique palms and I want to do everything I can to keep them health.

Lets Plant said...

With out pictures it is tough to say. I would try to put down some Epsom salt ( at 8' tall probably 5 handfuls ) to cure the yellowing and the spots may be from cold damage from the winter. Check the new growth and see if it is spotted, if not you should be o.k.