Improving Palm Diagnostics and Management in Florida’s Urban Landscapes
Horticulture & Turfgrass
Hannah Eason
Commercial Horticulture
UF/IFAS
Orlando
Abstract
Background: Palms are defining features of Florida’s urban landscapes but are frequently misdiagnosed and improperly managed, resulting in preventable losses and increased maintenance expenditures for municipalities, landscape firms, and institutions. As research on palm nutrition, pruning, and disease diagnostics advances, many practitioners still lack basic training in best management practices (BMPs) for palms, resulting in poor and often costly maintenance practices. Extension education can bridge this gap by translating research-based recommendations into applied landscape management.
Methods: A half-day, hands-on palm management workshop was developed using UF/IFAS pruning standards, fertility recommendations, and diagnostic protocols. The program included demonstrations of disease sampling, palm health assessment, BMP-based decision-making, and an emphasis on native species. Educational programming was delivered to landscape professionals, municipal staff, property managers, and residents. Participants completed in-class pre- and post-program assessments to evaluate baseline knowledge and increases (n=66). An end-of-year follow-up survey was administered via Qualtrics to evaluate behavior change and continued BMP adoption (n=13). Follow-up consultations and site visits supported organizations implementing BMP-based palm management.
Results/Impacts: From 2024–2025, programming reached 73 participants responsible for managing an estimated 15,579–26,672 palms and more than $3.46 million in annual palm maintenance and replacement budgets. Participants reported losing up to 305 palms annually prior to training. Post-program assessments showed substantial gains in knowledge and confidence: 100% increased knowledge of proper pruning practices; 84% increased confidence selecting native and Florida-Friendly palms; 80% increased knowledge of lethal bronzing identification and testing; 71% increased confidence identifying palm pests and diseases; and 59% increased knowledge of UF/IFAS-recommended fertilization practices. End-of-year respondents reported continued BMP use and increased consultation with UF/IFAS before treatment decisions. Extension-led diagnostics at a highly visible municipal gateway corrected nutrient deficiencies and improved palm health, prompting citywide contract updates and management alignment for approximately 400 palms. A regional botanical garden also adopted UF/IFAS-recommended practices for prominent palms across the 50-acre garden.
Conclusions: Diagnostics-focused palm education improved practitioner knowledge, informed management decisions, and catalyzed institutional change. This Extension model demonstrates how applied training and diagnostics can improve sustainable palm management and is transferable to other regions managing high-value landscape palms.
Authors: Hannah Eason, Heather Kalaman
-
Hannah Eason Commercial Horticulture, UF/IFAS, Florida, 32812
-
Heather Kalaman Florida Friendly Landscaping, UF/IFAS, Florida, 32812