Heavy and frequent fertilizer
application can cause a build-up of
soluble salts in the soil, resulting
in foliage burn. Sodium and other
salts in the soil and irrigation
water may cause similar problems
in some coastal areas. If leaf
scorch occurs from high fertiliza-
tion, reduce fertilization rate and
leach soil with excess water.
 Trees may receive adequate
amounts of major plant nutrients,
yet remain chlorotic and unsightly
because of a deficiency of one or
more minor elements. Those minor
elements usually deficient include
iron, zinc and manganese. Trees
growing on alkaline sands of coast-
al areas and calcareous soils of the
Miami-Homestead area are most
frequently affected, although trees
in interior sections of Florida
sometimes exhibit similar malnu-
trition symptoms.
 Either foliage or soil treatments
 (or both) can correct minor ele-
ment deficiencies. Soil treatment,
properly done, is the best method
because of easy application and
residual effect. Soil treatment
should be effective where soil is
slightly to moderately acid (pH
5.5 6.5). Where soil is alkaline
(pH 7.0 or higher) soil application
is rarely successful and minor ele-
ments should be supplied in a foliar
spray.
 It is difficult to identify minor
element deficiencies; therefore, a
minor element mixture is best used
unless experience clearly indicates
lack of a single element. Mixtures
can be used as sprays or added to
the soil. Rates recommended by the
manufacturer should be followed or
injury to trees may result.
 Some gardeners use 6-6-6 or


8-8-8 fertilizers containing minor
elements each time they fertilize.
This is not the best policy, since
these elements can become toxic to
trees at relatively low concentra-
tions on some soils. However, such
fertilizers might be used to ad-
vantage as a part of the fertilizer
requirement, or once a year.
 Pruning. Most trees require
some pruning to control growth
and adapt them to particular land-
scape uses. Different species have
distinctive growth habits, and
growth should be directed to main-
tain natural symmetry. Pruning
will control branch height, sym-
metry of head and crowding of
main branches, and help eliminate
weak crotches.
 A limited amount of pruning will
exert a strong influence on ulti-
mate shape of young trees. Limbs
and branches should be removed
close to the trunk so protruding
stubs will not be left to interfere
with proper healing of wound cuts.
 Bark or trunk splitting, which
often accompanies removal of large
branches can be avoided by proper
cutting. Three saw cuts are needed
to remove a large limb. Make the
first cut on the lower side of the
limb, 1 to 2 feet farther out from
the trunk than the proposed final
cut. Saw upward about half way
through the limb or until wood
pinches the saw blade. Make the
second cut a few inches farther out
from the trunk and cut downward
until the limb is cut through and
falls. Finally, saw off the remain-
ing stub so that little or no wood
or bark is left to form a ledge.
 Protruding stubs of branches
 usually die back to the main trunk
 and serve as an entrance place for