CouncilThe Quarterly Quarterly Newsletter of the Urban Forestry Council 2019 Issue Two

The Council Quarterly newsletter is published quarterly by the Florida Urban Forestry Council and is intended as an educational benefit to our members. Information may be reprinted if credit is given to the author(s) and this newsletter. All pictures, articles, advertisements, and other data are in no way to be construed as an endorsement of the author, products, services, or techniques. Likewise, the statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not represent the view of the Florida Urban Forestry Council or its Executive Committee. This newsletter is made possible by the generous support of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Florida Forest Service, Nikki Fried Commissioner.

CITY OF NAPLES PLANS FOR PALMS Submitted by Heather Shields, City Arborist and Project Manager - City of Naples

The City of Naples is a beautiful the inventoried publicly-owned trees, Therefore, the City continuously works to community located on the Gulf of Mexico. representing 41 different species of palms. maintain a diverse and resilient urban forest. Residents and elected officials take great There are approximately 2,959 viable Naples strives to native species of both pride in the integration of natural and planting locations that are vacant. The canopy trees and palms. The City works built environments that provide for an City of Naples is proud to have earned the diligently to ensure the local tree population appealing quality of life. Having a diverse designation of “Tree City USA” for the is diverse and to avoid the dominance and and well-managed urban forest adds greatly past 22 years and has received the Tree City vulnerabilities of monocultures. To achieve to Naples’ distinct character and serves USA “Growth Award” for the past 12 years. its goal, the City works collaboratively to help Naples become the “Green Jewel with the City’s appointed Tree Board of Southwest Florida”--one of the City’s Maintaining diversity in the tree population and Homeowners Associations. Trees Critical Element Goals in the 2007 Vision is a key consideration for final planting introduced into the built environments of Plan. recommendations. Research shows that Florida’s urban communities are not always urban forests should maintain diversity in comprised of native species. Therefore, non- The City, through its Community Services species to mitigate the opportunities for invasive, tropical exotics have a role when Department, currently manages an urban catastrophic disease or pest infestation enhancing the City’s Gulf Coast character forest of 19,851 inventoried trees and that could significantly alter the character and tree-minded communities. palms. Palm trees account for 69% of and quality of the existing tree canopy. The Urban Forest in Naples is a balance of hardwoods and palms. Our community treasures the hardwood population for the shade and beauty offered. The palms also provide beauty and scale that helps create defining community characteristics. In

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INSIDE:

City of Naples Plans for Palms...... 1 & 3 President’s Message...... 2 Stump the Forester...... 5 How Old is That Palm?...... 6 - 7 Tree of the Quarter...... 8 - 9 A Passion for Palms...... 10 - 11 Members...... 14 Request for Articles...... 15

1 President’s message O DS F The urban forests of Florida have an opportunity for greater N O E U

I canopy diversity than many states of our . We have R

R

hundreds (some experts say over 1,000) species of palms that F grow and are part of our urban forest canopy throughout Florida. N FO There are native species and introduced or exotic species that are URBAN FOREST documented in Florida back through every historians’ writings. FUFC includes palms as desirable “trees” for our urban forests, Celebrating achievements in and with the current revisions for our Right Tree Right Place posters urban forestry should be a part (new editions coming out soon for North, Central, and South Florida), there are palms we of every program. Awards and recommend for everyone to plant and maintain. recognition will help build integrity into what you do and An interesting palm fact for Florida is that our State Tree is the Sabal palmetto, the Sable why you do it. The Florida Palm. This is also known as the most planted palm in our landscapes. As the research from Urban Forestry Council provides an awards program that can Dr. David Fox of University of Florida shows, the Sable Palm is a long-lived and hardy help celebrate the people and individual for us to have and enjoy in our urban landscapes and forests. programs that help Florida’s urban forests remain a great The tree inventory results for the City of Naples show one example of the great diversity of place to live, work, and play. palms and trees in our cities, with 69% of the total tree population being the palms. This is similar to many of the more developed, or urban, cities in Florida. Palms are a significant m part of planning and design for our landscapes and are a high percentage of the canopy we Cag te ories manage. a n OUTSTANDING PROFESSIONAL Focusing on the growth and preservation of large canopy trees is what we are told is best n OUTSTANDING TREE for increasing urban forest values and property values. Planting groupings of palms can ADVOCATE OR TREE ADVOCACY GROUP also be great for increasing canopy areas, filling in gaps for canopy areas, and adding some WOW factor to our properties. It is the palms that are features, or focal points, for r o g r n OUTSTANDING PROJECT many historic properties in Florida and many modern homeowners’ properties too. n OUTSTANDING URBAN FORESTRY PROGRAM P Seeing and enjoying palms, and marketing our sub-tropical climate with pictures of palms, n OUT STANDING TREE is a mainstay of tourism in Florida. You can be cool in the shade of a tree or a palm in the ORDINANCE Sunshine State, so get out and enjoy the benefits of an urban forest near you soon! n LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD r d s

In Support, a Apply today. Download w John Harris an application or apply FUFC President

A online at www.fufc.org/ awards_information.php Nominations must NEWSLETTER ADVERTISING Annual rates: be submitted by Thursday, • • • October 31, 2019. Business-card size advertisement: $75

Quarter page advertisement: $115 2 0 1 9 Half-page advertisement: $225 Sponsored by Full page advertisement: $450 • • • To place an advertisement in The Council Quarterly, please contact Sandy Temple, FUFC Executive Director (407-872-1738).

2 continued from pg. 1

June of 2017, the City Council adopted a on a 2-year cycle; however, a species such forest inventory, updating the data and revised Chapter 38 – Tree Protection – of as a Royal Poinciana (Delonix regia) is beginning the planting restoration process. the City’s Code of Ordinances. This chapter trimmed annually due to growth patterns. The City of Naples contracted to obtain of the code establishes the City’s Tree The City removes the nuts and dead fronds a new inventory; this was completed in Board and provides articles for protecting on Coconut palms (Cocos nucifera) twice February of 2019. At the direction of our publicly-owned trees. This revised a year, but does not trim the self-pruning City Council, efforts to replant the vacant ordinance was approved following two Foxtail palm (Wodyetia bifurata). Royal street trees were initiated. The Tree Fill-in years of research and public meetings to palms (Roystonea regia) in the high-traffic Program in the City of Naples is currently strengthen the statutory protection of the 5th Avenue South district are banded and funded at $500,000 annually. In 2018, 170 City’s Urban Forest while also creating a trimmed as needed to keep the “drop” areas hardwood trees and 89 palms were planted. more user friendly and readable format. under them safe for pedestrians and patrons The draft planting plan for 2019 has One item that was addressed in this rewrite enjoying outdoor dining at multiple 5th palm plantings at 235 sites and hardwood was the definition of a tree; “Tree means Avenue restaurants. plantings at 201 sites. The restoration of a living, self-supporting plant, that has or iconic palm-lined streets is vital to residents can have a mature diameter of greater than On September 10, 2017, Hurricane Irma and visitors who have come to associate the four inches measured at 4-1/2 feet above made landfall on Marco Island. Irma’s eye image with the Naples brand. the ground, more or less upright in growth passed directly over the City of Naples habit, generally having one stem but may moving through late in the afternoon; a The City of Naples will always have the be multi-stemmed and shall include palm wind gust of 142 mph was reported at alluring beauty of pristine Gulf Coast trees.” The Palmetto (Florida’s State Tree) the Naples Municipal Airport. This storm beaches, stylish shopping areas and unique receives the same protection as a Live Oak caused a 9.82% loss to the Urban Forest, architecture. The City’s diverse urban (Quercus virginiana) under Naples Code. including 518 palms. This loss was spread canopy is equally alluring and critically throughout the City with no one area being important to the quality of life residents The consideration and protection to both hit harder than another. There were areas enjoy and support. Naples’ diverse palms hardwood and palm species within the of concentrated damage where documented provide interest, charm and community urban forest carries over to the budget, tree damage was attributed to micro-bursts character that simply cannot be replicated annual management and planting or tornadic activity within the storm’s heavy by any other plant material. They will evaluations in the City of Naples. When rain bands. always stand prominently in Naples’ urban preparing budget needs each species is forest and will forever hold a special place considered. For example, when looking at Once the City completed the clean-up in the hearts of residents and visitors. trimming budgets, hardwoods are trimmed process, attention turned to the urban Expanding Save Your Canopy the Date! March 4-6, 2020

Stetson University

3 Working in Harmony with Nature Sumter Electric Cooperative has always placed a high priority on the environment by working to stay in harmony with nature. Evidence of SECO’s environmental stewardship is displayed through the following programs.

Sumter Electric Cooperative: • was named a Tree Line USA utility for the fourth consecutive year by The National Arbor Day Foundation. Employee arboriculture training, public education, and maintaining abundant, healthy trees in SECO’s service area are common practices. • installs osprey nesting dishes atop of the utility pole cross arms as needed for these magnificent birds. • places squirrel guards atop the transformers to protect a variety of Industry leading animals from danger, particularly squirrels. equipment resources • offers net metering to members interested in renewable generation such as photovoltaic systems. • recycles retired power equipment, scrap steel, aluminum, copper, porcelain, fluorescent lights, ink printer and copier cartridges, plus much more. • researches and writes Nature’s Reflections, Nationwide 24/7 crisis Unmatched safety Highest standards for a special column in the members’ newsletter response record crew professionalism developed to educate the community on the flora and fauna of Florida with eco-friendly Contact your Nelson representative today topics like xeriscaping and conservation. TM to discuss your vegetation management needs: Bob Turner Jr. at 1-856-694-4100

Friend of the Florida Urban Forestry Council

John Foltz Sustaining Sponsor

4 STUMP THE FORESTER

QUESTION: Why are old leaf bases on Sabal There was a time when the bootjack was the Washingtonia palm (Washingtonia palms called boots? a common household accessory placed robusta), will have persistent old leaves outside doorsteps and thresholds. The able to retain a mass of dead, drooping ANSWER: The term “boot” is short for simple Y-shape was formed from a short fronds just under the crown--referred to as “bootjack.” The base of the petiole, or shafted, inclined plane, with an open “U” the “hula skirt,” or “skirt” for short. The leaf shaft, attaches to the trunk in two or “V” at the upper end. A foot is pulled weight of old fronds will naturally slough places. As the bud expands the leaf base from a boot by placing the boot heel into off in time. The shelf life of the “basket splits between the points of attachments the opening while stepping on the short weave” formed by boots can be extended forming a Y-shape stalk. The Y-shape stalk shaft with the other foot. The boot is easily by pruning the petiole, or leaf shaft close resembles a traditional, yoke-like device removed and the hands are kept free and to the trunk; and therefore, decreasing used for removing boots--known as a clean. Bootjacks were often ornately made the gravitational pull on the length and bootjack or boot pull. of wood, or cast iron. The open mouth weight of inert, old fronds. Palm boots often resembled can actually collect, or support, organic livestock antlers, material that will spur the growth of ferns, insect antennae or orchids and the even the saplings of other other creative designs. trees. The aesthetic value of the bootlace The split-leaf petiole weave is a personal preference. If a of the cabbage palm smooth, boot-free stem is preferred, and not only has the shape fronds and boots are removed, special care of a bootjack, it can should be taken to prevent injury to the actually serve as a trunk. natural boot pull. Date palms, such as the Canary Island date Bootjacks aren’t palm (Phoenix canariensis), often have a as common as they persistent leaf base (boots) just under the once were. Maybe crown. The bases are often seen neatly the term “boot” is a pruned into a bulbous shape that resembles bit antiquated here in a – conveniently referred to as Florida. The Y-shape “pineapple pruning.” The pineapple boots also resembles that are only temporary. Eventually they will of the prominent decay and fall apart. strap of the Florida flip flop. Perhaps the Properly outfitted with stylish genes, a term “bootstraps,” or crown of fronds, hula skirt, pineapple simply “straps” would accessories, and fashionable boots, the be permissible in the palm tree just might be the best dressed Sunshine state. tree in the Florida urban forests. Though boots can Answer provided by Joe Anderson, JEA provide a decorative Utility Forester (and collaboration with outer shell they are the FUFC editing staff) only temporary. Some palms, as

If you would like to ‘stump the forester,’ see page 15 for information on submitting your question!

5 HOW OLD IS THAT PALM? Submitted by David A. Fox, PhD, Lecturer - University of Florida, School of Forest Resources and Conservation

People are awed by the longevity of some trees, like the 700-year-old bald cypress in Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, or 5,000-year-old bristlecone pines in California or 2,000-year-old olive trees in Greece. We love ancient trees, especially trees that could have been a witness to history. But what if I told you that you could get a 100-year-old tree planted in your yard for a couple hundred dollars? It’s true! More on that in a minute.

Wondering about the age of a tree is a frequent speculation. For typical dicot trees like pine, a forestry device known as an increment borer is used to extract a core of wood from the stem so that the annual rings may be counted. The process can be a bit more difficult with hardwoods like oaks or maples due to the structure of the wood and the need to view a thin section under a microscope, but it still can be done. Dendrochronology is the fascinating study of tree rings or ages that are correlated to historic events.

This dating or aging procedure, however, does not work on palms because they are monocots. Monocots do not produce secondary growth otherwise known as stem diameter growth. The stem only grows in height from a single apical meristem known as the bud. The stem diameter is determined during the palm establishment period and is likely governed by a suite of environmental factors such as soil fertility, water avail- ability and light availability.

So, for palms, their visible history is shown along the length of their trunk rather than in the cross-section of their trunk. The oldest palm wood is at the base as the youngest wood is being added every year just below the bud. While a palm stem does not increase in diameter on an annual basis by putting on another ring of wood, it can change in diameter slightly based on other factors. Changes in hydrologic conditions, crown damage, nutrient availability, or light exposure can result in increases or decreases in new stem diameter growth.

Back to the age of a palm – how can it be determined? Knowing the year that palm seed sprouted and subtracting it from the

6 current year is the only way. Sorry. For and crown spread. However, if you look I made some observations using the Florida nursery-grown stock, that age determination carefully, you might spot an oak limb that Turnpike as my north-south ‘transect’ to is possible. For our native Sabal palmetto is dodging around a cabbage palm that was get an idea of the average height growth of that is typically transplanted from wild there first! cabbage palms in an urban setting. I used populations, determining the age is impos- a laser hypsometer to measure palm trunk sible for a couple reasons. The time span We can, however, get an idea of the annual heights and assumed that the year different from seed sprout to trunk elongation (height growth rate in the urban environment. Look portions of the Turnpike were opened was growth) is highly variable based, again, on at some cabbage palms that have been in also the year of palm establishment along environmental conditions. Research tells us the landscape for a few years and you will those sections. Based on measurements of that, in a forested situation, cabbage palms likely notice a trunk diameter change below 37 planted palms from Okahumpka to Fort can languish in the establishment phase the bud. This is a ‘date Drum service plazas, for between 30 and 60 years before putting stamp’ of when the palm “... that cabbage palm the annual growth rate on height growth. Then, the height growth was transplanted from with eight feet of clear averaged about 2 inches rate can vary from year to year based on the wild into the urban per year. Your mileage those previously-mentioned environmental setting. Typically, the trunk you just had may vary. factors. diameter has increased installed in your yard since planting due to could be between 80 and Therefore, that cabbage Obviously, getting a firm grasp on cabbage better nutrition, more 110 years old...” palm with eight feet of palm height growth in the wild will be a sun, less competition, clear trunk you just had very long-term project. But we can see clues or consistent water installed in your yard that S. palmetto may be some of the oldest availability in its new home. However, the could be between 80 and 110 years old trees in some forests. We typically think of diameter can also decrease because of water if we assume the 30- to 60-year wildland live oaks as our ancient forest denizens in rationing, poor soil or over pruning. establishment period and an urban height Florida based mostly on their great girth growth rate of two inches per year. OK, so that palm isn’t really ancient compared to my previous examples, but it’s still older than any other tree you could plant! And it’s nice to know that we are surrounded by many centennial trees in our Florida cities, that, theoretically, can continue to produce ecosystem benefits for centuries to come.

References:

Fox, D.A., 2015. Sabal palmetto: Investigating the ecological importance of Florida’s State Tree. Doctoral dissertation, University of Florida. https://ufdc.ufl.edu/ UFE0049496/00001/citation

McPherson, K., Williams, K., 1996. Estab- lishment growth of cabbage palm, Sabal palmetto (). American Journal of Botany 83, 1566-1570.

Tomlinson, P.B., 2006. The uniqueness of palms. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 151, 5-14.

Tomlinson, P.B., Huggett, B.A., 2012. Cell longevity and sustained primary growth in palm stems. American Journal of Botany 99, 1891-19

7 of Pindo Palm the (Butia odorata) SubmittedTree by Jim E. Davis - UF/IFAS Quarter Extension Multi-County Director, Sumter and Hernando Counties

or commercial landscapes. If planted in Trunk: The trunk of pindo palms are solitary groupings, palms should be planted 10 feet and leaf bases tend to persist throughout the apart from one another. Due to its small life of the plant. There is no crownshaft like size, this palm is an appropriate species for you would see on a foxtail palm (Wodyetia use under powerlines and as a focal plant in bifurcate) or the royal palm. Trunk diam- a small lawn. eter can range from 1 to 1.5 feet. Often, ferns can be seen growing in the old leaf Pindo palms are best suited in full sun, but bases, or boots. This will not harm the palm. can grow in partial shade. They are said to be moderately salt tolerant. However, in some publications it is stated that they are not tolerant of salt spray on foliage. Pindo palms are also reported to be drought tolerant, when established.

Florida is well-known for its citrus, beaches Pindo palms are considered fairly disease and of course, palm trees. Throughout resistant. There have been no documented the state, one does not have to look hard cases of fusarium wilt or lethal yellowing to see these princes of the plant world in on pindo palms. It can be susceptible to the landscape. Not all palms do well in the fatal palm disease called Ganoderma certain areas of the Sunshine State though. zonatum, but it is reported to rarely have For example, if you live in North Florida been observed. the stately native royal palm (Roystonea regia) or popular Christmas palm (Adonidia Pindo palms are readily available in garden merrillii) will not survive due to the lower, centers and nurseries. Purchase healthy freezing temperatures of winter. There is free of any nutrient deficiencies. not as much palm diversity in the northern Roots should be moist and free of weeds. or central parts of the state as in the south. Follow UF/IFAS guidelines when planting Only a select number of palm species can https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep001. fare well throughout the entire state. One of the hardiest palm species in Florida, is called the pindo palm. Interesting Facts: Also referred to as the jelly palm, pindo n The common name of “Jelly Palm” comes from the fact that fruit can be made palms originated from the grasslands or into an edible jelly. Fruit has also been used to make a fermented wine. The seed woodlands of South American countries of can be used as a coffee substitute. , Argentina and . It is a very n According to the latest UF/IFAS assessment of non-native plants in Florida’s cold tolerant palm species. It is adapted to natural areas, the pindo palm is listed as “Not a Problem Species” for North, survive in temperatures as low as 5 to 10 Central and South Florida. degrees F. In the United States, pindo palms n Fruits of the pindo palm are also called “Pindo Dates.” have been observed surviving in as far n Seeds are incredibly hard to germinate. It is recommended that the hard endocarp north as the Carolinas on the east coast and be cracked using a bench vise or commercial nut cracker. Plant 1-3 seeds in an northwestern states of northern California environment that is moist and where temperatures are between 95-100 degrees F. and Oregon. By doing this, germination may occur in about three months. n Pindo palms can cross with queen palms producing a sterile intergeneric hybrid Pindo palms are slow growing palms that known as a mule palm (X Butyagrus nabonnandii). reach a mature height of 15 or 20 feet. This n Formerly known as makes it an ideal specimen for residential n Lifespan is reported to be approximately 80 years

8 Flowers: The pindo palm produces an inflorescence with yellowish to orange aromatic flowers in the spring. Flowers are unisexual, containing 6 male stamens and 3 female stigmas and a solitary pistil. Each inflorescence can contain 50-100 flowering branches.

Fruit: Orange to yellow fruit are formed on the inflorescence once female flowers are pollinated. Fruit are 1” diameter fleshy drupes that mature during the summer months. Fruit can be messy and a hazard on hard surfaces.

Leaves/Petiole: Leaves of a pindo palm are light green to bluish silver in color. The arching leaves are odd pinnately compound, Avoid pruning leaves that are not dead. Use reaching a length of 5 to 10 feet. Each leaf a sharp pruning tool and disinfect to prevent has leaflets that are 18 to 36” long. The diseases. Soaking pruning tools in solution petioles are 2 to 4 feet long and are armed, of 50% (1-part 70% isopropyl rubbing having spines along both edges. Pindo alcohol and 1- part water) for 5-10 minutes palms produce about 8 leaves per year. will be adequate to disinfect pruning tools.

Pruning: Pindo palms are not self-cleaning. Roots: Roots are not considered a problem. Pruning of dead leaves may be necessary In some palm species, roots may extend for a cleaner look. Pruning of inflorescence 50 feet from the trunk of the palm. It is can be done anytime and will not harm the suggested to avoid the application of turf palm. fertilizers near the root zone of palms to prevent nutrient deficiencies.

Companion Plants: Coontie (Zamia spp.), Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria), Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis), and Dwarf Walters Viburnum (Viburnum obovatum).

References: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/st105 http://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ trees-and-shrubs/palms-and-cycads/pindo- palm.html http://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/mas- tergardener/outreach/plant_id/ornamentals/ pino_palm.shtml https://assessment.ifas.ufl.edu/assessments/ butia-capitata/ https://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/database/docu- ments/pdf/tree_fact_sheets/butcapa.pdf

http://web.fscj.edu/David.Byres/flora/palm. htm https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep020 https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/butia- capitata/ https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep443

9 A PASSION FOR PALMS Submitted by Joe Anderson – JEA Utility Forester and Certified Arborist

I think I shall never know a psalm as lovely having an elongated stem or trunk that can For centuries, and throughout the world, as a palm. The poetic palm tree--an iconic grow to considerable height, possessing a palms have stood as ordained prophets symbol of a surf-side, tropical retreat. The mature diameter greater than four inches (at preaching the gospel of trees to those that classic rendition of the idyllic beauty and DBH), and bearing leaves at some distance design, build and govern cities. Palms tranquility of an island paradise must have from the ground. The management and care may be perfect for placement where space three components - a sun (rising or setting), of palms will reach beyond the prowess is a factor. Clumping varieties can form a reflective body of water (ocean), and at of a florist, turf manager, or agriculturalist screens and vegetative buffers between least one leafy palm tree. Boats, seabirds, needed for orchids, grasses, and grains. The narrow boundaries of incompatible land-use and hammocks might add a nice touch to stewardship of palms will require the skills, properties. Group plantings can create a the image, but they are not required. The equipment, techniques, art, and expertise of dramatic statement providing awesome picturesque palm, on the other hand, is a an arborist and/or tree care specialist. photo backdrops and scenescapes. In the requirement. Florida wouldn’t be Florida confined spaces and shared competitive without its palms. The palm tree--the giant The palm tree will provide most, if not all, arenas of our urban and suburban king of the monocots--not only has a place of the benefits received from other broadleaf environments, the ornamental palm can be within the urban forests of our Sunshine and coniferous trees. Palms provide the right tree in the right place. State, it is a requirement. aesthetics, shade, carbon sequestration, storm water control, soil stabilization, and A passion for palms will include an Let’s review the things we knew from palm other perks brought by trees. A single, appreciation for a palm’s ability to break school. The diversity of flowering plants mature palm may not provide the same level the homogeneous character of rapid and (angiosperms) have been divided into two of ecological services as a single, mature sprawling suburbia and urbanization. distinct groups--dicots and monocots. The shade tree, but in some instances, they may Development often appears homogeneous plants that have one seed leaf (cotyledon) present less risks too. Palms are trees, but with commercialization and common design emerging from the embryo are the being monocots, they are built differently. standards. Global brands, company logos, monocots; those with two embryonic leaves The vascular tissues (xylem and phloem) billboards, building designs, industrial are dicots. All monocots share a common are scattered throughout the trunk rather requirements, retail marketing, building ancestry. Dicots do not. Though subtle and than confined to concentric growth rings codes and specifications become the minute, the family resemblances among found in deciduous and coniferous trees. mascara that will disguise the blemishes, monocots are more akin and similar than Palms have a single growing point (apical color and facial features of “place.” Here in other angiosperms that are not monocots. meristem) and lack the lateral/secondary Florida, palms will create the striking and Even with their common traits and ancestral meristem (cambium) needed for continual necessary benchmarks, centerpieces, focal constraints, the monocots fill a diversity of growth in girth, or diameter. Outward points, to an undeniable understanding that evolutionary occupations. expansion of the trunk is charted and you are not in Kansas anymore. mapped by “establishment growth”--a pre- Monocots include the palms, orchids, determined fixed, or established girth. After Despite our built environment nature is its grasses, major grains, and most of the achieving a definite basal diameter, the stem own architect. Many palms are easily and flowering plants that are cultivated from resumes its elongation, maintaining a nearly naturally propagated by seed. The small bulbs – lilies, tulips, irises, and daffodils. constant, cylindrical form. fruit of the sabal palm (Sabal palmetto), Contrary to some rumors and gossip, the Washingtonia palm (Washingtonia Florida legislature did not get it wrong when Within a species, there’s a status quo to robustra), date palm (Phoeniz dactylifera), designating a monocot - the sabal palm the shape, form and space requirement. pindo palm (Butia capitate) and others are (Sabal palmetto) - as the State tree in 1953. A palm’s perpetual symmetry is largely digested and dispersed by birds and other It is apparent that palms predictable and wildlife. A protective coating, wrapped are not orchids, grasses, dependable. Though around the seed, inside the fruit, is stripped or grains. Palms are trees. “Contrary to some rumors palms species are away of its inhibiting properties during Palms have earned the and gossip, the Florida diverse and variable, digestion. The freed seed is conveniently recognition and status the architecture of the deposited beneath the perch of a bird, or of trees. Through the legislature did not get it palm tree is marked by tail of an animal. Utility poles, overhead evolutionary trials of wrong when designating a symmetry, balance and electrical wires, and communication cables time, enduring millions monocot - the sabal palm simple mathematical provide convenient perches for birds. of years, palms have (Sabal palmetto) - as the ratios reminiscent of the Volunteer palms, growing at the base of traveled the distance, classical architecture utility poles and directly under electrical overcome the struggles, State tree in 1953.” of Greece and Rome. lines will eventually create a unique palm suffered through the The uniformity of the challenge for the utility arborist. For large challenges, and developed palm can be a striking canopy palms, the electrical hazards of the progressive benefits of trees. They are attribute to receptive designs of building and a palm may lay silent and dormant till upright, self-supporting perennials, typically grounds. fronds reaches the height of the local

10 distribution lines (above 25-30 ft). The of the apical meristem, or terminal bud. should be minimal and temporary. In time, palm itself may not always be the cause Negative consequences will often result the crown may surpass the height of conflict for trouble. The arching fronds may create from wounds to the central bud--to include as with pedestrians, windows or roadways. a vegetative bridge for vines to climb the death of the tree. and reach poles, transformers and open If possible, avoid removing top fronds energized lines. Unlike the classic shade Proper palm pruning techniques are rooted where the petiole, or leaf shaft is greater tree, palms cannot be reduced in height, in the basic understanding of how a palm than 45 degrees above a horizontal line that or directionally pruned when establishing grows. New fronds emerge from the passes through the central bud. Preserve the safe clearance for buildings, roads, terminal bud. Therefore, the crown will the most beneficial top leaves by limiting walkways, sight clearances, utility lines, and rise with the height of the bud. Nutrients the trim to leaves at or below the horizontal other competing use for space. Side pruning are absorbed from the fronds. The older plane. This will also help protect the may not be as effective when obtaining fronds will eventually fade, droop and terminal bud from injury. If fronds are cut clearances because palms can quickly die. As the bud continues to climb close to the base of the petiole, special care replace fronds that were removed or pruned. upward, newly positioned fronds--fresh should be taken not to damage the living Sometimes the removal of live, green and green--will emerge and carry on the trunk. Wounds to the trunk are permanent. fronds--or the removal of top fronds where function of photosynthesis needed to feed Climbing spikes penetrate and permanently the petiole, or leaf shaft, is greater than 45 the tree. The green fronds will provide the damage the trunk. Spikes should not be used degrees above the vertex of the terminal building blocks needed to maintain height unless the palm is being removed. bud--cannot be avoided. Palm removal or and diameter growth and to foster fruits relocation may be the best solution when and flowers. In time, the bud, with new Date palms, such as the Canary Island date addressing a hazard between a palm and emerging leaves, will grow to new heights. palm (Phoenix canariensis), often have a built infrastructure. Old fronds will fade, droop, and die, and the persistent leaf base just under the crown. cycle will continue. You will often see it neatly pruned into a A passion for palms will undoubtedly bulbous shape that resembles a pineapple- include a passion for its parts and pieces. Live, healthy, green fronds are still -conveniently referred to as “pineapple There is a tree-mendous variety of unique benefiting the tree and should not be pruning.” Supplemental nutrients may be features between different kinds of palms. removed if possible. Unlike most trees that recommended to compensate the loss of Since different palms require different care, will replace leaves annually, palms may photosynthates as a result of pineappling. proper palm identification is important and retain leaves for 2-3 Note also, that pruning often challenging. The most prominent years. Therefore, the live fronds has been identifying features of palms are its fronds removal of green fronds “Unlike most trees known to transmit can have long-lasting disease between palms (fan-like, or feather-like); trunk shape and that will replace leaves size; boot characteristics; presence and or consequences. Pruning if tools are not properly color of a crownshaft (a distinctive column should target brown, annually, palms may disinfected between trees above the main trunk and beneath the main dead leaves. Yellowing retain leaves for 2-3 and pruning cycles. crown); and its fruit and flowers. and browning leaves years. Therefore, the are in the process of Trimming palms will A passion for palms will also foster a translocating nutrients removal of green fronds have inherent dangers passion of planting and pruning palms. and may still provide a can have long-lasting and risks. Falls from Palms should be planted and pruned with benefit to the tree. Once consequences.” heights, heavy leaf skirts, clear and defined objectives in mind. It often the green chlorophyll wildlife, and adjacent becomes necessary to remove the potential fades from the frond, electrical hazards have hazards with dead palm fronds, flowering the leaf is no longer able to contribute to caused injuries and fatalities. To preserve stalks (inflorescence), and fruiting clusters. the health and growth of the palm. Useful the pleasure of palms, consult with an ISA Improved clearances, tree health, landscape mnemonic phrases would include, “If certified arborist or professional tree care maintenance, and enhanced aesthetic values brown, drop it down,” “If green, don’t specialist about the proper care for your of trees and landscapes are some of the intervene,” “Leave on, the green frond,” or palm(s). more common pruning objectives. simply, “Don’t cut green fronds.” With careful selection, proper planting and During the trimming process, care should Safe clearance from electrical hazards, care, palms will provide a beautiful and be taken to protect the central growing point buildings, sidewalks, drives, lines-of- valuable contribution to Florida’s diverse of the terminal bud. This is the heart of the sight, aesthetic objectives, or to establish tree canopy. Florida wouldn’t be Florida palm. It is a single apical meristem located temporary access for cranes, aerial lifts and without its palms. The palm tree--the giant at the top of the stalk and just below the other construction equipment may create king of the monocots--not only has a place origin of the fronds. All new leaves and legitimate circumstances that will require within the urban forests of our Sunshine flowers will develop from the central point the trimming of live fronds. Trimming State, it is a requirement.

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SUPPORTING ORLANDO UTILITIES CITY OF TAVARES Patrick Glennon Johnny Turvin COMMISSION Traci Anderson A FRIEND OF THE Raphael Gonzalez Rick Vasquez Erin Givens James Dillon FLORIDA URBAN Ruth Hamberg, RLA Brian Voelker Wendell Hunt FORESTRY COUNCIL ASLA AICP Dave Wise SECO ENERGY Rick Provencher Jeff Foltz Gene Hamilton Ian Wogan Justin Hancock Cemetery Sexton John Foltz Rick Harman Kevin Woodall April Hurst (TBD) Andrew Wiltz Dallas Hazelton James Yelverton John LaSelva Etienne Hernandez- Jennifer Wiltz Gainesville Tree Tracy Powell Perez Farm BARTLETT TREE David Watford Lisa Hill TREE ADVOCATE Russell Adams EXPERTS Keith Horn Lamont Andrews SHERLOCK TREE COMPANY Juan Carrasco Harold Hoyte Scott McCorkle Jonathan Wolfson JEA Todd Degner Joe Anderson Ray Jarrett Alex Nogueiras, Sr. Jonathan Frank Gloria Jones David Wing URBAN FORESTRY Sam Dunbar Stephen Johnson Matthew Kennard ORGANIZATION Michael Ninos Eric Von Hofen Tim Kerns Daniel Adams Scott Souder Kim Wheeler Jason Lamey COMMUNITY Casey Lee HONORARY UF/IFAS SUMTER GREENING Dale Lesinski Mike Conner UTILITY AND HERNANDO Mark Cassini Will Liner Anna Dooley COUNTY Matt Shipley LEE COUNTY ELECTRIC Henry Mayer Norm Easey EXTENSION COOPERATIVE Matthew Melvin Justin Freedman Jim Davis Diana Gilman Carmen Mendez Ed Gilman DANELLA FORESTRY Bill Lester, PhD Steve Rounds Chris Miller Steve Graham Ken Knight Lisa Sanderson Nick Wladyka Wade Neilson Michael Greenstein Caitlin Loughran Matt Smith Suzanne Newman Elizabeth Harkey Steven O’Donnell Kalan Taylor Lindsey Nieratka Tom Scinske Mary Lou Hildreth GOVERNMENT / NON-PROFIT Gregory Noonan John Holzaepfel Mike Straney Marisol Ortega CITY OF TAMPA Julie Iooss PROFESSIONAL Janet Papinaw EARTH ADVISORS, INC. Kathy Beck Howard Jeffries Marc Pierre Darlene Harris Mary Danielewicz-Bryson Alexis Alvey Andy Kittsley Steven Poulson John Harris Brian Mims Smith Amisial Ken Lacasse Jay Quier Doug Pierce Gloria Antia Earline Luhrman FPL Valeria Quintanilla David Reilly Jason Atkinson Bill Reese Gregory Polidora Lori Ballard Jorge Rivera Jerry Renick CITY OF TAMPA - PARKS William Robbins NELSON TREE Marguerite Beckford Mike Robinson AND RECREATION Ronald Rollins SERVICE, INC. Deena Bell-Llewellyn Linda Seufert Kathleen Carter Steve Rounds Bob Turner William Bors John Tamsberg Toby Loveall Brooke Botterill Dario Rubi Celeste White NRPS LEGACY Nelson Martinez Kyle Brudzinski Clark Ryals ARBORIST SERVICES Eric Muecke Johnny Cannon Jennifer Savaro Ben Holzaepfel Sheri Mullis Arely Cantu Wyman Scott, Jr. Eric Hoyer Stan Wood Humberto Caron Joseph Sentence Kari Hurst Carlos Cedeno Jeff Shimonski Charlie Marcus Thomas Chancey Michael Shuey Jay Vogel Thomas Cox, III Dawn Sinka Karen DeMaria Robert Sunshine

14 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION (Dues are effective for the calendar year of January 1 - December 31) Make check or money order payable to FUFC and mail to: Post Office Box 547993, Orlando, FL 32854-7993 FUFC Past Presidents ••••••••••• Steve Graham...... (1990-1991) Categories (please check one): Ed Gilman...... (1991-1992) Bill Reese...... (1992-1993) q Professional @ $25.00 Andy Kittsley ...... (1993-1994) (Professional membership is open to anyone who is actively working in the profession of Urban Forestry or any related Jeffrey Siegel ...... (1994-1995) profession.) Norm Easey ...... (1995-1996) John Tamsberg...... (1996-1998) q Tree Advocate @ $20.00 (Tree Advocate membership is granted to those volunteers who Mike Conner ...... (1998-1999) are members of a tree board, beautification committee or other Julie Iooss ...... (1999-2000) Urban Forestry volunteer group, and/or an interested citizen.) Anna Dooley...... (2000-2001) q Supporting @ $200.00 Howard Jeffries...... (2001-2002) (Supporting membership is granted to those individuals, groups Mike Greenstein...... (2002-2003) or other entities expressing a desire for a strong supportive Mike Robinson...... (2004-2005) role in the Council. Membership will be granted for up to five Celeste White ...... (2006-2007) individuals of an organization or business.) Earline Luhrman...... (2008-2009) q Government/Non-Profit Agency @ $100.00 John Holzaepfel...... (2010) (Government/Non-Profit Agency membership is granted to those Jerry Renick...... (2011) individuals, groups or other entities actively working in the profession of Urban Forestry or any related profession. Member- Mary Lou Hildreth...... (2012) ship will be granted for up to five individuals within the agency.) Elizabeth Harkey...... (2013) Ken Lacasse...... (2014) q Student @ $10.00 (Student membership is granted to anyone who is actively Justin Freedman...... (2015) enrolled as a full-time student and who is considering pursuing a Linda Seufert...... (2016-2017) career in Urban Forestry.)

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n New trends in the industry ______n News about tree advocacy groups City: n Volunteer projects n City tree programs n Letters to the Editor ______n Questions for “Stump the State: Zip: Forester” ______We look forward to hearing from you on this or any other interesting topic Telephone: (______)______related to the urban forestry industry and profession. Please FAX: (______)______send any articles or ideas to Joe Anderson, FUFC newsletter editor, at E-mail: [email protected]. Thanks for contributing! Amount Enclosed: ______Date: _____/_____/_____ Would you be interested in further information regarding

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Area of interest: ______! Clip and Mail Today! 15 FLORIDA URBAN FORESTRY COUNCIL NON-PROFIT ORG. Post Office Box 547993 U.S. POSTAGE Orlando, FL 32854-7993 - PAID - PERMIT #2717 ORLANDO, FLORIDA

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2019 fufc executive committee members

OFFICERS: COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Alexis Alvey, Appointed Position Brad Radecki, Elected Position John Harris ASLA/FL Chapter Member-at-Large President • Kathleen Brennan, Appointed Position • City of Orlando Appointed Position Carolyn Cheatham Rhodes, Elected • Florida League of Cities FNGLA Position Greg Brown, Appointed Position Earth Advisors, Inc. Member-at-Large FRPA Pinellas County Hillsborough County • • Darryl Richard, Appointed Position Joe Anderson Jody Buyas, Appointed Position FL Department of Transportation President Elect Advisory Member FDOT - District One Appointed Position City of Orlando • • John Springer, Elected Position Advisory Member David Fox, Appointed Position Tree Advocacy JEA Advisory Member Enchanted Walkabouts UF/SFRC • • David Watford, Elected Position Elizabeth Harkey, Elected Position Erin Givens Utility Forester City Arborist Vice President SECO Energy City of Sanford • Appointed Position • Mark Williams, Elected Position Julie Iooss, Appointed Position Advisory Member Member-at-Large FL Chapter ISA Orlando Utilities City of Fort Lauderdale Commission Retired – City of Orlando • • Ian Wogan, Elected Position William “Bill” Lester, Appointed Position Private Arborist Cooperative Extension Service Steve Edgar True Tree Service Treasurer • Hernando County Extension Office • Appointed Position Mark Miller, Appointed Position Vacancy - Advisory Member Advisory Member • Society of American William Liner City of Apopka Foresters • Florida Forest Service Liaison Long Leaf Forest Service, Daisy Morales, Appointed Position • Inc. Advisory Member Stephen Lloyd Florida Forest Service Gayle Lafferty Orange County Soil and Water Conservation District • Secretary • Sandy Temple Elected Position Ricky Peterika, Elected Position FUFC Executive Director Member-at-Large Member-at-Large City of Vero Beach Dark Moss LLC Gregory Polidora, Appointed Position Advisory Member

• FP&L