The Care of Queen Anne Palms
Queen Palm trees must be watered and fertilized correctly in order to thrive.
They need regular watering 2-3 times a week. Watering should cover the ground for at least 4 feet from the trunk.
Deep watering, to a depth of 2 feet, should be done every week or two.
Common Problems
The most common problems of the Queen Palm can usually be traced to mineral deficiencies.
Queen Palms prefer slightly acidic soil, and will have a problem absorbing nutrients if the surrounding soil has become too alkaline. This can be the result of nearby sidewalks leaching lime into the soil.
Watch for "frizzle top"
Queen Palms are susceptible to a condition known as “frizzle top”, where new fronds emerging from the crown have a frizzled look and will appear blackened.
“Frizzle top” is caused by a manganese deficiency. If not treated, an affected Queen Palm tree will eventually die. The remedy is easy; just give extra applications of manganese.
Possible pest problems?
Sometimes, palm leaf skeletonizes and scale insects can cause problems for Queen Palms, and may require professional pest control intervention to resolve.
If only a few fronds are involved, they may be pruned off, but too much pruning of a Queen Palm will cause it to decline.
Yard problems... & solutions
Here’s some tips from Freedom Landscaping AZ to your most common yard problems.
Watering Tips
In the hot Arizona sun, plants obviously need water but did you know many people actually over water?
Water your lawn 3 times a week for 8-15 minutes. Annuals & perennials should be watered 3 times a week for 1 hour. Shrubs are best on a separate system from trees & should be watered 3 times a week for 1 hour.
Watering should be slow & deep for the water to penetrate the soil. If it takes longer than 1 hour for water to soak into the soil, apply Dispersul to break down the caliche.
Common Problems
The grass is looking brown/yellowish in spots.
Most likely cause:
1. Irrigation related-timers not set correct, sprinkler head issue, too much/too little water.
2. Overwatering of Bermuda/St Augustine grass (more serious issue could be aeration, lack of nutrients or fertilization, or fungus growth in root system).
How come my trees are turning yellow?
Either over or under watering. If leaves are yellowing, it’s over watering (could also be nutrient deficiency in soil) If leaves are browning, it’s under watering.
Why aren’t my sprinklers coming on?
Control system failure or valve issue
Weed Control Problems?
Pre-Emergence Herbicides
Pre-emergence herbicides work by inhibiting the growth of germinating weed seeds and very young seedlings. These chemicals damage the seeds before the weed has a chance to grow.
For maximum effect, pre-emergence herbicides should be applied in the spring, before the weed seeds sprout. Plants and weeds that already exist will not be harmed by the application of pre-emergence herbicides.
Post-Emergence Herbicides
Post-emergence herbicides act on weeds that are already established. These chemicals control weeds by soaking through their leaves.
If you let your weeds keep growing, they will mature, make more seeds, and your weed problem will get worse.
If necessary, our spray technicians can perform monthly weed control using post-emergence herbicides.
Physical Removal of Weeds
If you practice regular landscape maintenance procedures, controlling weeds by hand-pulling may be all that is necessary.
If weeds are well-developed, the physical removal method may be your first course of action.
Physical removal of weeds can be tedious, so Freedom Landscaping offers a pre-emergent service for a fee that can be incorporated into your regular maintenance or a one time service.