2022.02.02_NRPB_Agenda_Regular
Town of Highland Beach
Notice of Public Meeting Protocol
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Page 1
Agenda – Natural Resources Preservation Advisory Board Regular
Meeting
Wednesday, February 02, 2022, 1:00 P.M. Page 2 of 4
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Published: 05.26.2021/Updated 08.02.2021
Page 2
AGENDA
NATURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION
ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR MEETING
Wednesday, February 02, 2022 AT 1:00 PM
TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA
3614 S. OCEAN BOULEVARD
HIGHLAND BEACH, FL 33487
Telephone: (561) 278-4548
Website: www.highlandbeach.us
TOWN HALL COMMISSION CHAMBERS
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
5. PUBLIC COMMENT (limited to three (3) minutes per speaker)
6. PRESENTATIONS
A. Marine Patrol Vessel- Chief Craig Hartmann
B. Update on the November 3, 2021 Board recommendations to the Town
Commission, and the previous recommendation pertaining to the palms located
in the right-of-way along State Road A1A
7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. November 03, 2021 Regular Meeting Minutes
8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Discussion on Scheduled Meeting Time
Page 3
Agenda – Natural Resources Preservation Advisory Board Regular
Meeting
Wednesday, February 02, 2022, 1:00 P.M. Page 4 of 4
B. Board Members Updates
1. Dune Restoration- Margarita Chappelear
2. Bucket Tree Update- Nicole Stansfield
9. NEW BUSINESS
10. ANNOUNCEMENTS
February 08, 2022 - 1:00 P.M. Code Enforcement Board Regular Meeting
February 10, 2022 - 9:30 A.M. Planning Board Regular Meeting (Cancelled)
February 15, 2022 - 1:30 P.M. Town Commission Meeting
February 21, 2022- Town Hall Closed in Observance of Presidents' Day
11. ADJOURNMENT
Any person that decides to appeal any decision made by the Natural Resources Preservation Advisory Board with
respect to any matter considered at this meeting, such person will need to ensure that a verbatim record including
testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based. (State Law requires the above Notice. Any person desiring
a verbatim transcript shall have the responsibility, at his/her own cost, to arrange for the transcript.) The Town neither
provides nor prepares such record. There may be one or more Town Commissioners attending the meeting.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), persons who need accommodation in order to attend or
participate in this meeting should contact Town Hall at (561) 278-4548 within a reasonable time prior to this meeting in
order to request such assistance.
Page 4
File Attachments for Item:
B. Update on the November 3, 2021 Board recommendations to the Town Commission, and the
previous recommendation pertaining to the palms located in the right-of-way along State Road A1A
Page 5
TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH
AGENDA MEMORANDUM
MEETING TYPE: Natural Resources Preservation Advisory Board (“Board”) meeting
MEETING DATE February 2, 2022
SUBMITTED BY: Ingrid Allen, Town Planner, Building Department
SUBJECT: Update on the November 3, 2021 Board recommendations to the Town
Commission, and the previous recommendation pertaining to the
palms located in the right-of-way along State Road A1A
SUMMARY:
On December 7, 2021, the Town Commission reviewed and considered the November 3, 2021
Board recommendations. The Board recommendations are provided below (in bold) along with
corresponding Commission direction.
- To emphasize the consideration of a marine patrol vessel or boat and implement
a program which would protect manatee populations and mangrove populations
by slowing down traffic on the Intracoastal. The Town Commission did not provide
any direction to the Board regarding this recommendation. In the Recommendation
Memorandum provided to the Town Commission, staff provided the various laws that
currently protect both manatees and mangrove populations. The Town Code of
Ordinances does not currently have any provisions regarding manatee protection;
however, the Code does provide provisions specific to mangrove protection which are
found in Chapter 20 (Planning and Development”) (see Attachment No. 1). Note that at
the December 7, 2021 Town Commission meeting, the Commission approved the
purchase of a marine boat for the Town’s Police Department Marine Patrol Un it. The
Police Department will be making a presentation to the Board at the February 2, 2022
meeting regarding the status of the marine patrol vessel.
- Expand the obligations of our current code compliance officer to walk the beach
or do an evaluation of the beach so as to know what is or is not appropriately
being done on the beach. Consensus from the Town Commission was that they thank
the Board for their input and suggested scheduling a follow-up discussion early next
year. Note that the Town Commission will be discussing Town Strategic Priorities in
February/March 2022.
Attached is the recommendation memorandum as it was presented to the Town Commission
as well as the minutes from the December 7, 2021 Town Commission meeting.
Page 6
At the November 3, 2021 Board meeting, staff advised the Board that the Town ha d contracted
with Bartlett Tree Experts to conduct an assessment of the population of palms situated in the
right-of-way along State Road A1A. On November 5, 2021, the Board was emailed the
“Assessment of Roadway Palms” report provided by Bartlett Tree Experts (see attached). In
an effort to advise residents of the report’s recommendations, the Board may want to consider
uploading the report to the Board’s webpage and providing a Board summary of the
recommendations in the next Manager’s Minute. Note that Se ction 28-10 of the Town Code of
Ordinances provides the following provisions regarding landscaping on the public right-of-way:
Sec. 28-10. Maintenance standards for cultivated landscape areas.
(a) General: The owner, and/or lessee of land subject to this chapter shall be responsible
for the maintenance of all landscaping located on their property and on adjacent public
rights-of-way, which shall be maintained in good condition so as to present a healthy, neat
and orderly landscape area which shall include, but not be limited to, weeding, mulching,
fertilizing, pruning, mowing, and edging as generally set forth in this section.
***
(c) Maintenance of plants, trees and landscaping; replacement: All required plants, trees
and landscaping shall be maintained in a healthy, pest -free condition. Within six (6) months
of a determination by the building official that a plant, tree or other landscaping is dead or
severely damaged or diseased, the plant, tree or landscaping shall be replaced by the
property owner or owners in accordance with the standards specified in this chapter. If the
plant, tree or other landscaping is located in the public right-of-way and the plant, tree or
landscaping dies or is severely damaged or diseased, the adjacent property owner shall
be required to replace the plant, tree or other landscaping. However, if the palm tree, that
is dead, diseased or severely damaged, was initially installed by the town or the state, then
the adjacent property owner shall not be required to replace the palm tree.
(d) Removal of dead, diseased or dangerous trees or shrubs: It shall be the responsibility
of each private property owner to remove any dead, diseased or d angerous trees or shrubs,
or parts thereof, which overhang or interfere with traffic control devices, public sidewalks,
rights-of-way or property owned by the town. The town shall have the authority to order the
removal of any such trees or shrubs.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment No. 1 – Mangrove-related provisions (Town Code of Ordinances).
Board Recommendation Memorandum provided to the Town Commission on December 7,
2021.
Town Commission minutes – December 7, 2021.
Bartlett Tree Experts report
Page 7
Created: 2021-11-08 09:31:11 [EST]
(Supp. No. 19)
Page 1 of 1
Sec. 20-138. Special provisions for the protection of mangroves1.
(a) Generally. In addition to the foregoing tree protection requirements, the following special provisions shall
apply to the removal or alteration of mangroves (Black Mangrove, Avicennia germinans; White Mangrove,
Laguncularia racemosa; Red Mangrove, Rhizophora mangle).
(b) Replacement. Mangroves may not be removed unless the developer replaces or relocates on the same
development site at least an equal number of mangroves, necessary to revegetate a land area equal to or
greater than the land area from which mangroves were removed. The developer shall provide a plan to be
approved by the building official or designee, to assure the survival of the replaced or relocated mangroves
and to stabilize the shoreline from which mangroves were removed. The approved plan is an ex press
condition of any permit. Failure to carry out any provision of the plan shall be a violation of this Code.
(c) Other protective measures. The following protective measures apply to all mangroves.
(1) A permit shall be obtained from DER for any alteration of mangroves in jurisdictional waters.
(2) A permit shall be obtained from the town for any alteration of mangroves which are exempt from DER
permit requirements.
(3) Standards for alteration of mangroves shall be those contained in Rule 17.27, Ma ngrove Protection, of
the Florida Administrative Code.
(Ord. No. 597, § 1(2.19), 8-22-90)
1 Note that certain exemptions to this provision apply including lots or parcels of land on which a single-family home is used as
a residence, except historic or specimen trees on such parcels.
ATTACHMENT NO. 1
Page 8
TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH
RECOMMENDATION MEMORANDUM
TO:
MEETING DATE:
Town Commission
December 7, 2021
FROM: Ingrid Allen, Town Planner, on behalf of the Natural Resources
Preservation Advisory Board (“Board”)
SUBJECT: November 3, 2021 Board recommendations
ACTION:
At the November 3, 2021 Board meeting, the Board provided the following recommendations
(in bold) to the Town Commission (staff comment is provided in italics):
1. To emphasize the consideration of a marine patrol vessel or boat and implement
a program which would protect manatee populations and mangrove populations
by slowing down traffic on the Intracoastal. Staff advised the Board of the Town
Commission’s discussion at both the September 21 and October 19 , 2021 meetings
regarding the potential establishment of a Town of Highland Beach Marine Patrol Unit
including Police Chief Hartmann’s presentation on such topic on October 19, 2021.
Board discussion, prior to the above recommendation, included amending the Town
Code of Ordinances (Chapter 5 - “Beaches and Boats”) in an effort to provide protection
for manatees and mangroves. Based on the latter discussion, staff suggeste d that the
Board look at other municipal codes to see how they address manatee and mangrove
protection. Note that the Florida Legislature enacted the 1996 Mangrove Trimming and
Preservation Act. This law regulates the trimming and alteration of mangroves
statewide. In addition, manatees are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act
of 1972, the Endangered Species Act of 1973 and the Florida Mana tee Sanctuary Act
of 1978. Pursuant to Section 2-140(g) of the Town Code, the Board can assist the Town
Commission, upon Commission request, with items and issues related to waterways
within the corporate limits of the town including boat wakes, manatee protection and
mangroves.
2. Expand the obligations of our current code compliance officer to walk the beach
or do an evaluation of the beach so as to know what is or is not appropriately
being done on the beach . On July 1, 2020 the Board made a related recommendation
to the Town Commission to hire an environmental maintenance employee “to traverse
the beach and pick up debris.” Given the Town Commission adopted a hiring freeze
during the state of local emergency declared as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic
(Reso No. 20-009), the recommendation was not considered (Note that the hiring freeze
Page 110 Page 9
has since been lifted). Board discussion included the enforcement of the following
“littering” provisions found in Section 5-9 of the Town Code:
Beaches means that area abutting the Atlantic Ocean consisting of
predominantly sand, whether below or above the mean high water mark.
(b) Prohibited. No person shall leave or deposit any trash, refuse or debris
on any beach. Any such trash, refuse or debris shall be placed, when
available, in a container clearly marked by the town for such purpose. If
there is no receptacle, or if the receptacle is full, all trash or refuse must be
removed from the beach.
(c) Private beaches. In regard to that portion of the beach determined to be
private property, no person shall place or deposit on any such beach any
trash, refuse or debris. Further, the owner of the private property shall not
allow trash, refuse or debris to remain on his property for a period of time
greater than seven (7) days after notification by the town. Any such trash,
refuse or debris located upon private beachfront property shall be properly
disposed of in a manner otherwise provided by the codes and regulations
of the town.
(d) Violation. Any private property owner found to be in violation of this
section shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the town's code enforcement
ordinance, and subject to penalties prescribed by the code enforcement
board for each day a violation is determined to exist.
ATTACHMENTS:
None.
Page 111 Page 10
Page 11
Page 12
Page 13
The F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company
560 Northeast 42 Court, Oakland Park, Florida 33334 ● 954-561-9514 ● www.bartlett.com
November 3, 2021
Mr. Pat Roman
Town of Highland Beach
3616 South Ocean Boulevard
Highland Beach, Florida 33487
Re: Assessment of Roadway Palms
Mr. Roman,
I have performed a limited visual assessment of a population of palms situated in the rights
of ways for the Town of Highland Beach. This report is being written per your request. My
assignment is to assess the condition of the subject palms and provide recommendations for
management. My assessment is limited to the condition of the palms as observed on
September 27, 2021. The purpose of this report is intended as a tool to allow the tree owner to
make an educated tree management decision. My assessment was performed from the ground.
I did not climb any trees or use any aerial lift equipment. No tree risk assessment was
performed as this was outside the scope of the assignment.
The subject palms are situated along the Town’s rights of ways. This is a coastal community
on the barrier island in South Florida. The properties along this stretch of road comprise of
single family residences and condominumiums. These buildings vary in height. The palms are
just a couple hundred feet from the ocean.
The majority of the roadway palms are comprised of royal palms (Roystonea regia). The
palms range from a poor to good condition. Many of the royal palms are showing damage to the
lower fronds. This damaged is expressed as discolored, frizzled palm fronds. The palms are
also showing signs of nutrient deficiency, which is common in South Florida.
The site conditions for this area can be hostile to plant material. Salt spray can be pushed up
over the dune and affect plants. The salt desiccates the foliage, creating a “burned”
appearance. The soil is primarily sand. These soils lack the specific nutrients that palms prefer,
they do not retain nutrients very well so the nutrients often leach deep down into the soil, and
the soils are very alkaline and have a high pH.
Different plant species have varying tolerance to salt spray. Some plants have a high
tolerance for salt spray and some plants have a low tolerance. Royal palms are reported to have
“moderate” tolerance to salt spray. The Florida Native Plant Society list royal palm as having
some tolerance to salty wind but not to direct salt spray. Anecdotally, I would suggest that this
species of palm is not very tolerant to salt spray.
The exposure of these palms to direct salty winds varies based on its location along the
roadway. Some of these palms are well protected by tall buildings. Other palms are very
exposed to direct winds coming off the ocean. The direction of the winds also change
throughout the year, with winter winds being predominately from the northeast direction. It is
very common to observe plants with salt damage in winter along the South Florida coast. Even
plants that are reported to have a high salt tolerance such as coconut palms (Cocos nucifera) or
date palms (Dactylifera spp.) show salt damage to the lower leaves.
Page 14
Town of Highland Beach ● Assessment of roadway palms November 3, 2021 ● Page 2
The F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company
560 Northeast 42 Court, Oakland Park, Florida 33334 ● 954-561-9514 ● www.bartlett.com
I would suggest that the damage that can be observed on the royal palms is mostly due to
salt damage. They are also showing signs of nutrient deficiency, specifically potassium.
Potassium deficiency causes the lower fronds of palms to turn brown and die prematurely. Once
the palm fronds are damaged or discolored, that particular palm frond will never recover. The
frond will remain discolored or damaged until it falls off or is removed. Palms are genetically
programmed to only produce a predictable number of palms fronds each year. It is important to
keep the palms as healthy as possible to allow them to retain as many healthy fronds as
possible at all times.
Salt damage can be difficult to mitigate. Management would start by selecting plant material
that is very salt tolerant. Washing the leaves off with fresh water can mitigate salt burn, but this
treatment is time consuming and would not likely be practical on the Town’s palms. By
promoting good cultural practices, it may be possible to increase the number of live and
unaffected palm fronds in the crowns of these palms to improve appearances. Cultural practices
would include proper irrigation, mulch over the roots of the palms, and proper fertilization.
Based on my observations I would recommend the following:
Audit and ensure adequate irrigation based on current rainfall.
Remove any turf and install a layer of organic mulch to create a tree ring around the
palms. Mulch should be installed to a depth of 2 inches.
Begin a fertilization program as recommended by University of Florida. This would
include quarterly application of 8-2-12 or 8-0-12 palm special granular fertilizer applied at
a rate of 1.5 pounds of granular per 100 square feet of palm canopy area. Applications
should be made every three months and can be supplemented with a granular sulfur
product to adjust pH.
Or, affected palms can be removed and replaced with a species with higher salt
tolerance such as coconut palms or date palms.
If you have any questions about my observations or recommendations, please contact me.
Regards,
Jonathan
Jonathan S. Frank
ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist #618
ISA Board Certified Master Arborist #FL-5250BT
FDACS Certified Pest Control Operator #JF283138
Page 15
Town of Highland Beach ● Assessment of roadway palms November 3, 2021 ● Page 3
The F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company
560 Northeast 42 Court, Oakland Park, Florida 33334 ● 954-561-9514 ● www.bartlett.com
Limits of the Assignment
The tree assessment was performed from the ground for visual conditions. This tree inventory
was not a tree risk assessment. As such, no trees were assessed for risk in accordance with
industry standards, nor are there any tree risk ratings or risk mitigation recommendations
provided within this report.
Care has been taken to obtain all information from reliable sources. All data has been verified
insofar as possible; however, the consultant can neither guarantee nor be responsible for the
accuracy of information provided by others.
Illustrations, diagrams, graphs, and photographs in this report, being intended as visual aids, are
not necessarily to scale and should not be construed as engineering or architectural reports or
surveys.
Information contained in this report covers only those items that were examined and reflects the
condition of those items at the time of inspection. There is no warranty or guarantee, expressed
or implied, that problems of deficiencies of the plans or property in question may not arise in the
future.
There is no guarantee for the preservation of the trees contained in this report, however, the
preservation plan is made with the best interest intended for the trees being preserved.
Page 16
ENH1009
Fertilization of Field-Grown and Landscape Palms in
Florida1
Timothy K. Broschat2
1. This document is ENH1009, one of a series of the Environmental Horticulture Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date September
2005. Revised October 2011, September 2014, and November 2016. Reviewed December 2017. Visit the EDIS website at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.
2. Timothy K. Broschat, professor, Environmental Horticulture Department; UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, Davie, FL 33314.
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to
individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national
origin, political opinions or affiliations. For more information on obtaining other UF/IFAS Extension publications, contact your county’s UF/IFAS Extension office.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, UF/IFAS Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A & M University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County
Commissioners Cooperating. Nick T. Place, dean for UF/IFAS Extension.
Palms growing in Florida landscapes or field nurseries
are subject to a number of potentially serious nutrient
deficiencies. These deficiencies are described and illustrated
in document ENH1018. Prevention and treatment of these
deficiencies is the subject of this document. Chemical
symbols used in this document are as follows: N=nitrogen,
P=phosphorus, K=potassium, Mg=magnesium,
Ca=calcium, Mn=manganese, Fe=iron, B=boron,
Cu=copper, Zn=zinc.
Fertilizer Formulation
Nutrient deficiencies are more easily prevented than cor-
rected once they occur. Correction of nutrient deficiencies
can take as long as 2 or 3 years for some elements. Research
at the UF/IFAS has shown that regular use of a fertilizer
having an analysis (the three numbers on all fertilizer labels
which refer to their N-P2O5-K2O content) of 8N-2P2O5-
12K2O +4Mg with micronutrients can correct mild to
moderate deficiencies and prevent their recurrence in most
soil types in south and central Florida (Broschat 2015b;
Broschat et al. 2008). However, not all fertilizers that have
an analysis of 8N-2P2O5-12K2O+4Mg with micronutrients
are effective and, if improperly formulated, may be worse
for palm health than no fertilizer at all.
It is essential that 100% of the N, K, and Mg in such a
fertilizer be in slow release form. Since Florida’s soils have
very low capacities to retain these elements in the root
zone during periods of heavy rainfall or irrigation, the only
effective way to keep these elements readily available to
plants during the 2 to 3 month interval between fertilizer
applications is to use slow release sources (Broschat 1996;
Broschat 1997). A water-soluble source applied one day
could be completely leached out of the root zone the next
day by a heavy rainfall, and the palm would receive no
benefit from the application. Controlled-release fertilizers
are not greatly affected by rainfall or irrigation intensity.
Since they release more slowly than water-soluble fertil-
izers, they are also less likely to burn plant roots during
periods of drought.
Unlike the macronutrients N, K, and Mg that should be
in slow release form, most micronutrients need to be in a
water soluble form. However, granular slow release forms
of boron are safer and more effective for Florida landscape
soils.
Effective sources for N include sulfur-coated urea,
urea-formaldehyde, resin-coated urea, and resin-coated
ammonium salts. Of all the slow-release K sources tested,
sulfur-coated potassium sulfate was found to be the most
effective and economical (Broschat 1996). Prilled kieserite
(a more slowly soluble form of magnesium sulfate than
Epsom salts) is an effective and low-cost slow release form
of Mg. Coated Mg products tend to release too slowly to
be effective (Broschat 1997; Broschat and Moore 2006).
Slow release B sources, such as Granubor, are less affected
by leaching than the water soluble B sources often used
in landscape fertilizer blends (Broschat 2008). The only
Page 17
2Fertilization of Field-Grown and Landscape Palms in Florida
recommended Mn, Zn, and Cu sources are the sulfate
forms of these elements (Broschat 1991). Since iron sulfate
is rather ineffective on most Florida soils, granular chelated
products such as Trachelene Fe are preferred for blending
into palm maintenance fertilizers (Broschat 2005).
Another reason why 100% of the N, K, and Mg must be in
controlled release form is that the release rate of a nutrient
source can determine the “effective analysis” of the blend.
If heavy rainfall or irrigation occurs, any water soluble
nutrients will be rapidly leached out of the root zone, while
controlled-release sources are still releasing nutrients into
the soil. This differential leaching of soluble vs controlled-
release nutrient sources can alter the effective ratios among
the various elements, often with detrimental effects on palm
nutritional health. The soil N:K, N:Mg, and K:Mg ratios are
very important for palm health, and it is essential that all
three elements have similar release rates in order to keep
these ratios constant over time.
Fertilizer Application
How you apply a fertilizer can also determine whether the
application will be effective or not. Concentrating fertilizer
in holes, as spikes, or in bands around the trunks of palms
is less effective than spreading the same amount of fertilizer
uniformly throughout the area under the canopy. This is
because nutrient movement is almost exclusively downward
in direction, and thus only that small proportion of the
palm root system directly under concentrated fertilizer
will ever be exposed to these nutrients. A concentration
of fertilizer is also much more likely to burn palm roots
than fertilizer spread out over a larger area. Injecting
water-soluble fertilizers into the “root zone” of palms is
never recommended because 1) water-soluble fertilizers
are readily lost to leaching, 2) lateral movement of injected
fertilizer is minimal, and 3) injecting any nutrients deeply
enough to avoid turfgrass roots will also miss the majority
of the palm’s fine feeder roots, which tend to intermingle
with turf roots near the soil surface.
Although trunk injection of micronutrients such as Mn has
been shown to be effective (Broschat and Doccola 2010),
this method is not recommended for palms except in cases
where soil applications have been ineffective in alleviating
chronic micronutrient deficiency symptoms. Since palms
lack a vascular cambium and, thus, the ability to heal over
wounds in the trunk, any holes created in the process of
injecting palm trunks will remain as permanent scars and
may provide entry sites for diseases or insect pests.
The 8N-2P2O5-12K2O+4Mg with micronutrients main-
tenance fertilizer blend described above should release
nutrients for up to three months, and thus a three-month
application interval is recommended. The suggested
application rate for south Florida landscapes is 1.5 lbs of the
8N-2P2O5-12K2O+4Mg with micronutrients fertilizer (not
N) per 100 sq. ft. of palm canopy area, bed area, or land-
scape area. Field nurseries typically apply twice that amount
to maximize growth (Broschat 2015b). For landscapes
in central and north Florida, winter applications can be
omitted and lower application rates may also be adequate,
although field nurseries in those regions will probably
benefit from the higher south Florida application rates.
Fertilization in Areas where
Summer Applications of N and P
Are Prohibited
Some counties or municipalities in Florida prohibit the
application of P fertilizers unless soil tests demonstrate that
P is deficient. In addition, all N and P-containing fertilizers
may be prohibited during the rainy months of June through
September. Since this is a period when palm nutrient
demands and leaching of existing soil nutrients are the
greatest, proper fertilization is essential. However, earlier
studies have suggested that N may not be as limiting during
this warm wet season due to higher rates of natural organic
matter decomposition. A recent study has shown that P
fertilization may not be necessary at all under most Florida
landscape conditions and an 8N-0P2O5-12K2O+4Mg was as
effective as the traditional 8N-2P2O5-12K2O+4Mg formula-
tion (Broschat 2015a). This study also showed that if the
8N-0P2O5-12K2O+4Mg product was applied in February,
May, and November, but the August application received
a similar controlled release palm fertilizer that contained
no N or P, then the resulting palm quality was as good as
for those palms that received the 8N-0P2O5-12K2O+4Mg
product for all four applications. These no N or P palm
fertilizers have an analysis of 0N-0P2O5-16K2O+6Mg plus
micronutrients. Contact your county Extension agent for
information about the availability of these products in your
area.
The 8N-0P2O5-12K2O+4Mg fertilizers described above are
suitable for all palm species growing in all soil types found
within the state of Florida except for the muck soils of the
Everglades Agricultural Area. In those soils, sufficient N
is released naturally to provide more than enough N for
optimum palm growth. However, if the standard 8N-0P2O5-
12K2O+4Mg fertilizer is used on these soils, the additional
N from the fertilizer combined with that released from the
Page 18
3Fertilization of Field-Grown and Landscape Palms in Florida
soil can result in excessive N relative to K, Mg, and other
elements and could make deficiencies of those elements
more severe. In those soils, the 0N-0P2O5-16K2O+6Mg
formulation described above is recommended.
Use on Entire Landscape
While the 8N-2P2O5-12K2O+4Mg with micronutrients
maintenance fertilizer described above was developed
primarily for the nutritional requirements of palms, other
types of plants, including broadleaf trees, shrubs, herba-
ceous ornamentals, fruit trees, and even turfgrass growing
in the same soil are subject to the same inherent nutritional
deficiencies in these soils (Broschat et al. 2008). Since palm
nutritional requirements are higher than those for other
types of plants, a fertilizer that is suitable for palms will be
more than suitable for other types of plants. Comparative
trials at the UF/IFAS Ft. Lauderdale Research and Educa-
tion Center have shown that St. Augustinegrass fertilized
with the above palm maintenance fertilizer had quality
equal to that produced by a high quality turf fertilizer
(Broschat et al. 2008).
Use of the above 8N-2P2O5-12K2O+4Mg with micronu-
trients fertilizer is recommended for use on the entire
landscape. This not only simplifies fertilization by having to
use only a single product, but eliminates a serious problem
encountered when high N turf fertilizers are applied to
turf areas with palms growing nearby. Roots of large palms
typically extend out 50 feet or more from the trunk in all
directions and will take up whatever fertilizers have been
applied to the turfgrass. The high N:K ratio and the lack of
any Mg in most turf fertilizers forces rapid growth in palms,
but without sufficient K or Mg to support that growth, this
growth dilutes the existing K and Mg reserves within the
palm and induces or exacerbates K and/or Mg deficiencies
in the palms. High N fertilizers applied to turfgrass, even 30
feet away from a palm on one side only, have been known
to kill palms from induced K deficiency. Given the high
value of most specimen palms, applying high N fertilizers
to the palms or to nearby turfgrass is no bargain, no matter
how much less it may cost.
Sometimes it may not be possible to control what kinds of
fertilizer are applied within the area covered by a palm’s
root system. For example, you may have a large palm rela-
tively close to your property line. While you may be prop-
erly fertilizing your palm and lawn with the recommended
8N-2P2O5-12K2O+4Mg, your neighbor may be fertilizing
his lawn with typical turf fertilizers that will negatively
affect the health of your palm. A recent study has shown
that if the turfgrass near a palm has been fertilized with a
typical high N:K ratio turf fertilizer, the negative impacts
can be prevented by fertilizing the area under the canopy
of the palm with the no N or P 0N-0P2O5-16K2O+6Mg
fertilizer discussed above instead of the usual 8N-2P2O5-
12K2O+4Mg (Broschat 2015a). This approach may also be
more cost effective than fertilizing the entire landscape with
8N-2P2O5-12K2O+4Mg for mixed landscapes containing
palms and turfgrass.
Treatment of Severe Deficiencies
Finally, while the palm maintenance fertilizer described
above is suitable for prevention of all nutrient deficiencies
and correction of mild to moderate deficiencies, what can
be done to correct existing severe deficiencies? For severe N
deficiency, this palm maintenance fertilizer will be adequate
by itself, and re-greening of the foliage should occur within
a month or two.
When applying K fertilizers to correct a severe K deficiency,
it is important to also apply about 1/3 as much Mg to
prevent a high K:Mg ratio from causing a Mg deficiency
problem. For severely K-deficient landscape palms, broad-
cast a 3:1 blend of slow release potassium sulfate and prilled
kieserite uniformly to the soil under the canopy at a rate
of 1.5 lbs per 100 sq ft of canopy area. A slow release palm
fertilizer like the 0N-0P2O5-16K2O+6Mg mentioned above
works well for this purpose and is more readily available
than slow release potassium sulfate and kieserite. This
application should be repeated in three months. Three
and six months after that, a 1:1 mixture of the 0N-0P2O5-
16K2O+6Mg and a 8N-2P2O5-12K2O+4Mg palm mainte-
nance fertilizer should be substituted at the rate of 1.5 lbs
of fertilizer per 100 sq ft of canopy area. After one year, use
only the 8N-2P2O5-12K2O+4Mg palm maintenance fertil-
izer at the same rate.
Treatment of K deficient palms typically requires from one
to three years or longer, since the entire canopy of the palm
will need to be replaced with new, symptom-free leaves.
Potassium-deficient palms support fewer leaves in their
canopies than K-sufficient palms, and the symptomatic
older leaves will not be eliminated until a full, rounded
canopy of leaves has been produced (Broschat and Gilman
2013). Removal of discolored older K-deficient leaves on
a regular basis has been shown to accelerate the rate of
decline from this disorder and can result in premature
death of the palm (Broschat 1994).
Treatment of severely Mg-deficient palms can require a year
or more and is accomplished by broadcasting a controlled-
release magnesium source (prilled kieserite is an excellent
Page 19
4Fertilization of Field-Grown and Landscape Palms in Florida
source) at rates of 2 to 5 pounds per tree 4 to 6 times per
year to the area under the canopy. This treatment is to be
considered as a supplement to regular applications of a bal-
anced 8N-2P2O5-12K2O+4Mg palm maintenance fertilizer.
To reduce the potential for salt injury, Mg and maintenance
fertilizer applications can be offset by six weeks.
For Mn-deficient palms, soil applications of manganese
sulfate are effective, but spraying the foliage with this prod-
uct may achieve more rapid, though short-term, results,
especially on alkaline soils. This should be considered as
a supplement to soil applications, not as a replacement.
Manganese sulfate solutions to be applied to the foliage can
be made by mixing 3 lbs of this product in 100 gals of water.
Soil application rates are dependent on palm species, soil
type, and severity of Mn deficiency. These rates will range
from as low as 8 oz for a small palm or one growing on
an acid sand soil to 5 lbs for a large species growing on a
limestone soil. Broadcast this product over the soil under
the palm canopy. Applications can be repeated every 2 to 3
months, depending on the severity of the problem and soil
type, but a response may not be seen until 3 to 6 months
after applications. Avoid using composted sewage sludge or
manure products near palms (Broschat 1991). Excessive Mn
applications normally result in an induced Fe deficiency,
with its characteristic new leaf chlorosis.
For treatment of Fe deficiencies, soil applications of iron
sulfate are generally less effective than some of the chelated
compounds such as FeDTPA, FeEDDHA, or FeHEEDTA,
because free Fe++ ions are rapidly oxidized under most
soil conditions to the less soluble Fe+++ form. On alkaline
soils, FeEDDHA is the most effective product, followed
by FeHEEDTA and FeDTPA (Broschat and Elliott 2005).
FeDTPA is the most effective product for foliar application,
but it is important to note that all of these chelates can be
phytotoxic to palms and other plants when applied at high
rates. Follow application guidelines on the label for these
products. Keep in mind that most Fe fertilizers can cause
brown staining, so take precautions to keep them away
from non-target objects.
Fertilization to correct or prevent B deficiency in palms is
problematic at this time. The most common B sources used
on palms are water soluble sodium borates. In high rainfall
climates, such as that of Florida, an application of water-sol-
uble B can be completely leached out of the root zone with
a single heavy rain shower. Slow release B fertilizers such as
Granubor are an obvious solution to this problem because
they release over a 3 to 4 month period (Broschat 2008).
However, appropriate application rates for this product on
palms have yet to be determined. It is extremely important
not to overdose palms with B fertilizers since the difference
between deficiency and toxicity levels of B is rather small,
and correction of a B toxicity caused by over-application of
slow-release B fertilizers could be very difficult.
Current recommendations for correcting B deficiencies in
palms are intentionally conservative because of the poten-
tial for toxicity. Dissolve about 2–4 oz of Solubor or Borax
in 5 gallons of water and drench this into the soil under the
palm canopy (Dickey 1977). Do not repeat this for at least 5
months because it will take this long to see the results of the
first application.
Selected References
Broschat, T.K. 1991. “Effects of manganese source on
manganese uptake by pygmy date palms.” HortScience
26:1389–1391.
Broschat, T.K. 1991. “Manganese binding by municipal
waste composts used as potting media.” J. Environ. Hort.
9:97–100.
Broschat, T.K. 1994. “Removing potassium-deficient leaves
accelerates rate of decline in Phoenix roebelenii O’Brien.”
HortScience 29:823.
Broschat, T.K. 1996. “Release rates of soluble and
controlled-release potassium fertilizers.” HortTechnology
6:128–131.
Broschat, T.K. 1997. “Release rates of controlled-release and
soluble magnesium fertilizers.” HortTechnology 7:58–60.
Broschat, T.K. 2008. “Release rates of soluble and controlled
release boron fertilizers.” HortTechnology 18:471–474.
Broschat, T.K. 2015a. “Fertilization of landscape palms to
reduce nitrogen and phosphorus inputs to the environ-
ment.” HortScience 50:469–473.
Broschat, T.K. 2015b. “Nitrogen and potassium require-
ments for field-grown areca and Mexican fan palms.”
HortScience 50:1567–1571.
Broschat, T.K. and J. J. Doccola. 2010. “Effects of soil-
applied and trunk and petiole-injected manganese on
manganese content of coconut palm (Cocos nucifera).”
Arbor. and Urban Forestry 36:272–274.
Page 20
5Fertilization of Field-Grown and Landscape Palms in Florida
Broschat, T.K. and M.L. Elliott. 2005. “Effects of iron source
on iron chlorosis and Exserohilum leaf spot severity in
Wodyetia bifurcata.” HortScience 40:218–220.
Broschat, T.K. and E.F. Gilman. 2013. “Effects of fertiliza-
tion and pruning on canopy leaf number and potassium
deficiency symptom severity in Sabal palmetto.” Palms
53:84–88.
Broschat, T.K. and K.A. Moore. 2006. “Release rates of
ammonium-N, nitrate-N, P, K, Mg, Fe, and Mn from seven
controlled release fertilizers.” Commun. Soil Sci. Plant Anal.
38:843–850.
Broschat, T.K., D.R. Sandrock, M.L. Elliott, and E.F. Gil-
man. 2008. “Effects of fertilizer type on quality and nutrient
content of established landscape plants in Florida.” Hort-
Technology 18:278–285.
Dickey, R.D. 1977. Nutritional deficiencies of woody
ornamental plants used in Florida landscapes. UF/IFAS
Extension Bull. 791.
Page 21
ENH1255
Not All Landscape Palm Fertilizers Are Created Equal1
Timothy K. Broschat2
1. This document is ENH1255, one of a series of the Environmental Horticulture Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date March 2015.
Reviewed December 2017. Visit the EDIS website at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.
2. Timothy K. Broschat, professor, Environmental Horticulture Department; UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, Davie, FL 33314.
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to
individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national
origin, political opinions or affiliations. For more information on obtaining other UF/IFAS Extension publications, contact your county’s UF/IFAS Extension office.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, UF/IFAS Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A & M University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County
Commissioners Cooperating. Nick T. Place, dean for UF/IFAS Extension.
Palms are widely planted in Florida landscapes throughout
the state, especially in the central and southern parts, for
their aesthetic effects. Their bold leaf textures create a
tropical or Mediterranean look that is highly desired by
residents and tourists alike. However, palms have very
high nutritional requirements (see Nutrient Deficiencies of
Landscape and Field-Grown Palms in Florida, http://www.
edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep273), and deficiencies of any nutrient
element can result in highly conspicuous and unattractive
symptoms on their large leaves.
Sixteen elements are required by palms for normal growth:
carbon (C), hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), nitrogen (N),
phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium
(Mg), sulfur (S), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn),
copper (Cu), boron (B), molybdenum (Mo), and chlorine
(Cl). Of these, N, K, Mg, Fe, Mn, B, and occasionally
P often are deficient in Florida’s sandy, calcareous, and
organic soils and must be added as fertilizers to prevent
or correct deficiencies in landscape or field-grown palms
(see Fertilization of Field-Grown and Landscape Palms
in Florida, http://www.edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep261). One of
the problems encountered when fertilizing plants is that
some nutrient elements are antagonistic to others, so that
too much of one element could induce or exacerbate a
deficiency of another.
The optimum amounts and ratios in fertilizers of the
seven frequently deficient elements for landscape palms in
Florida have been experimentally determined to be 8N-0 or
2P2O5-12K2O-4Mg plus about 2% Mn and Fe (0.1-0.2% if
chelated), and 0.15% of B, Cu, and Zn (hereafter referred to
as 8-2-12-4Mg), but note that 8-0-12-4Mg also is acceptable
(Broschat 2009, 2015). However, just because a fertilizer
has this analysis does not mean that it will be effective.
The source of each individual element is just as important.
Landscape fertilizers are mixtures or blends of 8 or more
individual nutrient elements, and a number of different
sources of each of these elements are available. Some of
these sources are completely insoluble, some are slowly
soluble or controlled release, and some are completely
soluble. Thus a large number of possible combinations of
these various elemental sources could be created. Some of
these blends could do great things for your palms, some
might do nothing at all, and some might induce or exacer-
bate deficiencies rather than correcting them and possibly
kill the palm over time.
Plant nutrients must be in a water-soluble form for plant
roots to be able to take them up, and their solubility often
is regulated by soil pH. For example, the solubility, and
thus plant availability, of micronutrients such as Fe and Mn
drops off rapidly as pH increases (Lindsay 1972). Under
these conditions, the most effective fertilizer sources for
these elements are the most water-soluble ones. For Fe, Mn,
Zn, and Cu, sulfates are commonly used and are effective,
but chelates of Fe such as EDTA and DTPA are even more
effective than the sulfate form (Broschat 1991; Broschat and
Elliott 2005). Unfortunately, due to their lower costs, some
fertilizer manufacturers use oxides or sucrates (essentially
molasses-coated oxides) of these elements. These com-
pounds have been shown to be almost completely insoluble
Page 22
2Not All Landscape Palm Fertilizers Are Created Equal
in neutral to alkaline soils, and even in acid soils they are
solubilized so slowly that they do not provide adequate
amounts of these elements to palms (Broschat 1991;
Broschat and Elliott 2005).
On the other hand, many commonly used fertilizer sources
of N, K, Mg, and B are highly soluble in water and are thus
highly leachable through Florida’s sand and calcareous
soils which lack significant cation-exchange capacity. For
these elements, slow-release (slowly soluble compounds)
or controlled-release (coated soluble compounds) sources
help keep these nutrients available to the plant over a
longer period of time under leaching conditions (see
Controlled-Release and Slow-Release Fertilizers as Nutrient
Management Tools, http://www.edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1255).
For difficult-to-treat deficiencies such as K deficiency,
simply increasing the amount of water-soluble K applied
has not been effective, since large amounts of water soluble
K are just as quickly lost to leaching as are smaller amounts.
The only way that K deficiency can be eliminated in most
Florida landscape soils is through the use of controlled-
release K sources like sulfur-coated potassium sulfate.
While resin-coated fertilizers generally are considered to be
superior to sulfur-coated materials, the release of K and Mg
from resin-coated sulfates has been shown to be too slow to
be effective, compared to N sources prepared with the same
coating (Broschat and Moore 2007).
Since oxides and carbonates of Mg are too insoluble to be
useful sources of Mg, and resin-coated magnesium sulfate
releases Mg too slowly, the best controlled-release source
available at this time is kieserite, a naturally-occurring,
slowly soluble form of magnesium sulfate (Broschat 1997).
While soluble forms of B such as Borax® or Solubor® have
been used in blended fertilizers, their high solubility makes
them readily leachable under typical Florida landscape
conditions. Furthermore, these materials are powders that
quickly settle to the bottom of the bag when blended with
granular fertilizers. This means that fertilizer taken from
the top of the bag could contain too little B, while that taken
from the bottom of the bag could contain toxic amounts of
B. Studies evaluating a number of slow-release forms of B
have identified Granubor® as the best material for blending
since it has a granular form and releases over a three-month
period, like sulfur-coated potassium sulfate (Broschat
2008).
While it is important to have the correct ratios of the
various elements in a blended palm fertilizer, if the wrong
sources are used those ratios can change over time due
to differential leaching of the more soluble components.
For example, an 8-2-12-4Mg palm fertilizer having N in
controlled-release form but K in water-soluble form might
initially have the correct N:K ratio, but over time the
water-soluble K will be leached out of the root zone while
the controlled-release N source continues to provide N to
the palm. This N will stimulate new growth, but since there
eventually will be no new K to support that new growth, the
amount of K already in the palm will be diluted among a
larger number of leaves, thereby reducing the concentration
of K and resulting in more severe K deficiency symptoms
than prior to fertilization. A similar situation could occur
if the K source is controlled-release but the Mg source is
water soluble. Over time, the water-soluble Mg will be
leached out of the soil but K will still be available from its
controlled-release source, upsetting the effective K:Mg
ratio in the soil. Thus it is essential not only to provide
the correct elemental ratios initially, but also over time by
matching the release rates of the controlled-release sources
of the N, K, Mg, and B (Broschat 2009).
How can you tell if you have an effective 8-2-12-4Mg palm
fertilizer? Unfortunately, examination of fertilizer labels can
be more misleading than helpful due to the terminology
used and the types of testing done on fertilizers by state
regulatory laboratories, all required by Florida fertilizer
laws. For example, a fertilizer containing only coated N or
K will appear on a Florida fertilizer label as being 100%
water soluble due to the fact that water-soluble sources are
enclosed within the coating and the coatings are crushed in
the laboratory testing procedure.
Our research has shown that the most effective fertilizer
has 100% of the N, K, Mg, and B sources in slow-release
or controlled-release form and all of the Mn, Fe, Zn, and
Cu sources should be water soluble (generally these will be
sulfates, except for Fe, which can be chelated with EDTA
or DTPA) (Broschat 1991a, 1996, 1997, 2009; Broschat
and Elliott 2005). To determine if a fertilizer contains the
correct nutrient sources, examine the ingredients section of
a fertilizer label (it may be called “derived from” or some-
thing to that effect). Look for any source of N, K, Mg, or B
that is water soluble. If any are present, then 100% of those
elemental sources cannot be slow release and thus the fertil-
izer does not meet our specifications. Although activated
sewage sludge is considered a slow-release form of N, it
should never be used in palm fertilizers as it can induce
severe Mn deficiencies in palms and other ornamental
plants (Broschat 1991b). For the remaining micronutrients,
look for water-soluble sources such as sulfates or chelates,
but avoid oxides or sucrates if they are the sole or primary
source of Mn and Fe. Table 1 lists the most effective sources
Page 23
3Not All Landscape Palm Fertilizers Are Created Equal
for the seven critical elements in Florida landscape palm
fertilizers.
For Mg, it can be difficult to tell if the magnesium sulfate
listed on the label is the slow-release form called kieserite
(magnesium sulfate monohydrate) or the very soluble form
known as Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate heptahydrate)
unless the manufacturer indicates this somewhere on the
label. If this information cannot be obtained from the
manufacturer, a simple visual examination of the material
will reveal the presence of kieserite, since it will constitute
a significant proportion of the blend. Kieserite is creamy
white and is the largest granule in the blend, making it very
conspicuous (Figure 1).
Similarly, it can be difficult to determine if a powdered,
water-soluble form of B like Solubor® or Borax® is used or
if the product contains the slowly soluble Granubor®. All
of these materials are sodium borates, so one must inquire
about which form is included if the label does not indicate
the source.
Finally, it should be apparent from the above discussion
that 8-2-12-4Mg palm fertilizers can be formulated in more
than one way. Unfortunately, the most effective sources
of most of the critical elements in palm fertilizers also
are more expensive, so some fertilizer companies make
products which superficially meet our specifications (e.g.,
have the correct analysis), but upon closer examination
do not. They have substituted some or all of the required
controlled-release N, K, Mg, or B with water-soluble
sources and have used insoluble micronutrient sources like
oxides or sucrates to reduce costs. Thus if you request bids
for the lowest-cost 8-2-12-4Mg palm fertilizer you likely
will end up buying a formulation that will not be effective
and may make your palms look worse than if they had
never been fertilized. The only way to ensure that you will
be getting an effective fertilizer is to specify that 100% of
the N, K, Mg, and B sources are slow release and that the
Mn, Fe, and other micronutrients are present in sulfate
or chelated form.
Literature Cited
Broschat, T. K. 1991a. “Effects of Manganese Source on
Manganese Uptake by Pygmy Date Palms.” HortScience
26:1389–1391.
Broschat, T. K. 1991b. “Manganese Binding by Municipal
Waste Composts Used as Potting Media.” J. Environ. Hort.
9:97–100.
Broschat, T. K. 1996. “Release Rates of Soluble and
Controlled-Release Potassium Fertilizers.” HortTechnology
6:128–131.
Broschat, T. K. 1997. “Release Rates of Controlled-Release
and Soluble Magnesium Fertilizers.” HortTechnology
7:58–60.
Broschat, T. K. 2008. “Release Rates of Soluble and
Controlled-Release Boron Fertilizers.” HortTechnology
18:471–474.
Broschat, T. K. 2009. “Palm Nutrition and Fertilization.”
HortTechnology 19:690–694.
Broschat, T. K. 2015. “Fertilization of Landscape Palms to
Reduce Nitrogen and Phosphate Impacts on the Environ-
ment.” HortScience 50:469–473.
Broschat, T. K. and M. L. Elliott. 2005. “Effects of Iron
Source on Iron Chlorosis Severity and Exserohilum Leaf
Spot in Wodyetia bifurcata.” HortScience 40:218–220.
Broschat, T. K. and K.A. Moore. 2007. “Release Rates of
Ammonium-Nitrogen, Nitrate-Nitrogen, Phosphorus,
Potassium, Magnesium, Iron, and Manganese from Seven
Controlled Release Fertilizers.” Commun. Soil Sci. Plant
Anal. 38:843–850.
Lindsay, W. L. 1972. “Inorganic Phase Equilibria of
Micronutrients in Soils.” In Micronutrients in Agriculture,
edited by J. J. Mortvedt, P. M. Giordano, and W. L. Lindsay.
Madison, WI: Soil Science Society of America, 41–57.
Figure 1. A sample of an 8-2-12-4Mg landscape palm fertilizer
showing the conspicuous granules of kieserite, a slow release form of
magnesium sulfate.
Credits: T. K. Broschat, UF/IFAS
Page 24
4Not All Landscape Palm Fertilizers Are Created Equal
Table 1. Effective fertilizer sources for blending Florida landscape palm fertilizers with three-month release rates.
Element Recommended Sources1
N
P
K
Mg
Mn
Fe
B
Sulfur-coated urea, resin (or polymer)-coated urea or ammonium salts, urea-formaldehyde
Superphosphate, triple superphosphate, coated diammonium phosphate
Sulfur-coated potassium sulfate (may have additional polymer coating)
Kieserite (magnesium sulfate monohydrate) granules
Manganese sulfate
Iron sulfate, FeEDTA and/or FeDTPA
Granubor® (sodium borate)
1 Based on data from Broschat (1991, 1996, 1997, 2008) and Broschat and Elliott (2005)
Page 25
File Attachments for Item:
A. November 03, 2021 Regular Meeting Minutes
Page 26
TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH
NATURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION
ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
Town Hall / Commission Chambers Date: November 03, 2021
3614 South Ocean Boulevard
Highland Beach, Florida 33487
Time: 1:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Parks called the meeting to order at 1:02 P.M.
2. PRESENT UPON ROLL CALL
Member Margarita Chappelear
Member Virginia Egan-Eastwood
Member Diane Matthewman
Member Nicole Stansfield
Vice Chairperson Nievecita Maraj
Chairperson Steven Parks
Administrative Support Specialist Ganelle Thompson
ADDITIONAL STAFF PRESENT
Town Planner Ingrid Allen
ABSENT
Member Leonard Brenner
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Board led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
MOTION: Chappelear/Matthewman - Moved to approve the agenda as presented.
The motion passed unanimously on a 6 to 0 vote.
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
There were no preregistered public comments.
Page 27
Natural Resources Preservation Advisory Board Regular Meeting Minutes
Date: November 03, 2021 Page 2 of 5
6. PRESENTATIONS (Item 8A was discussed in this section.)
Update on the August 11, 2021 Board recommendations to the Town Commission
Town Planner Allen presented this item. She provided the Board with an update on the
Town Commissions responses to their August 11, 2021 recommendations as follows:
• Town Commission asked the NRPAB members to make calls to Homeowners
Associations (HOA) to obtain feedback so the Town Commission can make their
decision regarding additional beach bucket trees.
• Town Commission plans to invite the two beach raking vendors t o the December
7, 2021, Town Commission meeting and requested the Natural Resources
Preservation Advisory Board Members attend.
• The Town is contracted with Bartlett Tree Experts, who assessed the Palm Trees
situated in the right-of-way along State Road A1A and concluded a salt issue.
• Vice Chairperson Maraj’s article was published in the October issue of the
Manager's Minutes.
• Town Planner Allen spoke with Public Works Director Pat Roman about adding
lower pegs on the beach bucket trees.
Chairperson Parks welcomed Nicole Stanfield to the Natural Resources Preservation
Advisory Board.
Board discussion followed, and Member Stansfield volunteered to contact the HOA in
Highland Beach with inquiries about the progression and usage of the bucket trees.
Member Maraj also inquired about adding information to the Natural Resources
Preservation Advisory Board webpage regarding the disposal of plastic bags.
7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. August 11, 2021 Minutes (This item was discussed after Item 6A.)
MOTION: Chappelear/Eastwood-Egan - Moved to approve the August 11, 2021
meeting minutes as presented.
The motion passed unanimously on a 6 to 0 vote.
8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Update on the August 11, 2021 Board recommendations to the Town
Commission (This item was discussed during 6A)
Page 28
Natural Resources Preservation Advisory Board Regular Meeting Minutes
Date: November 03, 2021 Page 3 of 5
B. Board Members update on assigned task.
Chairperson Parks presented this item and asked each member to update on their
assigned task from the August 11, 2021 Board meeting.
Member Matthewman provided an update and stated that it is the Towns responsibility
for the fertilization of the palm trees on State Road A1A and the beach and dunes. She
also provided comments as it relates to the removal of nuisance species.
Member Chappelear presented a PowerPoint presentation about a boat speed reduction
plan for Highland Beach. She covered various topics, including the recent fatal boating
accident on Bel Air Dr. in Highland Beach. She also discussed an operator's responsibility
for their wakes, traffic congestion, blind corners; she also explained that in addition to
reducing the speeding boats, she also wants to draw attention to the Manatees' safety
and preservation of the mangroves.
Town Planner Allen provided information about the Towns Plans of a marine patrol
unit.Vice Chairperson Maraj exited the meeting at 2:02 P.M.
MOTION: Parks/ Chappelear - To emphasize the consideration of a marine patrol
vessel or boat and implement a program that would protect manatee
populations and mangrove populations by slowing down traffic on the
Intracoastal.
The motion passed unanimously on a 5 to 0 vote.
9. NEW BUSINESS
A. Discussion of miscellaneous Board projects regarding the survey of beaches.
Town Planner Allen presented this item.
Chairperson Parks provided information about the lack of an erosion control line in
Highland Beach, dune restoration, and beach preservation.
Members Matthewman and Stansfield both volunteered to contact local municipalities to
find out about their processes regarding beach raking.
MOTION: Parks/Chappelear - To have the code compliance officer evaluate the beach
to know what should and should not be done on the beach.
Member Stansfield exited the meeting at 3:22 P.M.
Page 29
Natural Resources Preservation Advisory Board Regular Meeting Minutes
Date: November 03, 2021 Page 4 of 5
B. Discussion on dune management and restoration project.
Town Planner Allen presented this item.
Chairperson Parks asked for a volunteer to do research on dune restoration.
Member Chappelear volunteered stating that she would look into dune restoration.
C. Consideration of the Natural Resources Preservation Advisory Board 2022
calendar year meeting dates
MOTION: Chappelear/Eastwood-Egan Moved to approve the calendar year 2022
meeting schedule as presented.
The motion passed unanimously on a 4 to 0 vote.
10. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Chairperson Parks read the announcements as follows:
A. November 09, 2021 - 1:30 P.M. Town Commission Meeting
November 10, 2021 - 9:30 A.M. Planning Board Regular Meeting
November 11, 2021 - Town Hall Closed in observance of Veterans Day
November 16, 2021 - 1:30 P.M. Town Commission Meeting
Page 30
Natural Resources Preservation Advisory Board Regular Meeting Minutes
Date: November 03, 2021 Page 5 of 5
11. ADJOURNMENT
Chairperson Parks adjourned the meeting at 3:30 P.M.
APPROVED at the November 03, 2021, Natural Resources Preservation Advisory
Board Meeting.
ATTEST: Steven Parks, Chairperson
Transcribed by Ganelle Thompson
Administrative Support Specialist
Ganelle Thompson,
Administrative Support Specialist
Date
Disclaimer: Effective May 19, 2020, per Resolution No. 20 -008, all meeting minutes are
transcribed as a brief summary reflecting the event of this meeting. Verbatim audio/video
recordings are permanent records and are available on the Town’s Media Archives &
Minutes webpage: https://highlandbeach-fl.municodemeetings.com/
Page 31
File Attachments for Item:
A. Discussion on Scheduled Meeting Time
Page 32
TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH
AGENDA MEMORANDUM
MEETING TYPE: Natural Resources Preservation Advisory Board Meeting
MEETING DATE February 02, 2022
SUBMITTED BY: Ganelle Thompson
SUBJECT: Natural Resources Preservation Advisory Board Meeting Time
SUMMARY:
At the November 03, 2021 meeting, the Natural Resources Preservation Advisory Board
approved the following meeting schedule for Calendar Year 2022.
2022 Natural Resources Preservation Advisory Board Meeting
Schedule
• February 2, 2022
• May 4, 2022 – Organizational Meeting
• August 3, 2022
• November 2, 2022
The meetings are held on the first Wednesday, of February, May, August, and November at
1:00 P.M., as needed. Per Sec. 2-158. of the Town’s code of ordinance, (Ordinance No. 18-
004 O) an Organizational Meeting of the Natural Resources Preservation Advisory Board
shall be held May 1 of each year, or as soon thereafter as is practicable.
Staff suggests that the Board discuss a meeting time.
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A
ATTACHMENTS:
NRPAB adopted meeting schedule
Page 33
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the Board discuss a meeting time
Page 34
File Attachments for Item:
B. Board Member Updates
1. Dune Restoration- Margarita Chappelear
2. Bucket Tree Update- Nicole Stanfield
Page 35
File Attachments for Item:
1.Dune Restoration - Margarita Chappelear
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File Attachments for Item:
2. Bucket Tree Update - Nicole Stanfield
Page 51
Prepared by N. Stansfield for the Highland Beach Natural Resource Preservation Advisory Board 1/23/2022
Highland Beach Bucket Tree Use Initial Research Findings
HOA HOA Contact Information Property Management Contact Feedback / Survey Participation Notes
Bel Lido President: Ron Brown
Tele. No.: 561-266-0299
Email: rdbrown1@aol.com
NA Reached out to Mr. Ron Brown 3 times
via email. Provided background
information and survey link. No
response as of 1/23/22
Highlands Place
(2901 S. Ocean Blvd.)
President: David Stern
Tele. No.: 561-702-3655
Email: highlandplace@bellsouth.net
Heather Rubin
Campbell Property Management
561-276-4722
HRubin@campbellproperty.com
Property manager shared survey with
community after board approval. See
survey results documents for more
information.
Toscana
(3701 S. Ocean Blvd.)
President: Bart Satsky
Tele. No.: 973-985-7043
Virgil Teca
First Service Residential
561-272-2269
Virgil.teca@fsresidential.com
After multiple calls and emails inquiries
was finally able to speak with Mr. Virgil
Teca over the phone on Friday,
1/21/22. He verbally reported that his
beach club attendants claim that the
bucket tree is never utilized. He also
shared that 3 of the of the 4 original
buckets were missing, a fact that I
confirmed myself by walking by. Was
not sure if board would approve survey
link distribution.
Trafalgar
(2917 S. Ocean Blvd.)
President: Deborah Hurd
Tele. No.: 561-706-7114
Anna Thomas
Castle Group
561-276-1949
athomas@castlegroup.com
Property manager shared survey with
community after board approval. See
survey results documents for more
information.
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1/23/22, 11:02 AM Highland Beach Bucket Tree Use
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1mVH1mpuw0vE8u8_1clecGGeiTZCj7PomXGkz1I3lfSo/edit#responses 1/87
Survey Questions
Strongly Disagree
1 2 3 4 5
Strongly Agree
Strongly Disagree
1 2 3 4 5
Strongly Agree
Highland Beach Bucket Tree Use
Please take a moment to complete the following questions regarding the use of the Highland Beach Bucket
Tree found at your community. All responses are COMPLETELY CONFIDENTIAL and do not have any
name(s) associated with them.
Please indicate in which community you reside
Choose
1. I am aware that there is a town sponsored bucket tree available on the beach access for my
community. *
2. I understand the purpose of the town sponsored bucket tree on the beach access for my
community. *
SAMPLE SURVEY
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1/23/22, 11:02 AM Highland Beach Bucket Tree Use
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1mVH1mpuw0vE8u8_1clecGGeiTZCj7PomXGkz1I3lfSo/edit#responses 2/87
Strongly Disagree
1 2 3 4 5
Strongly Agree
Strongly Disagree
1 2 3 4 5
Strongly Agree
Strongly Disagree
1 2 3 4 5
Strongly Agree
Strongly Disagree
1 2 3 4 5
Strongly Agree
This content is neither created nor endorsed by Google.
3. I have used the buckets on our bucket tree to collect trash on Highland Beach. *
4. I believe that the bucket tree program is a beneficial program that helps keep Highland
Beach clean. *
5. I encourage others in my community to use the buckets found on the bucket tree. *
6. I would like to see additional bucket trees installed at other communities along the beach. *
Comments - anything else you would like to share
SAMPLE SURVEY
Page 54
Please indicate in
which community
you reside
1. I am aware that there
is a town sponsored
bucket tree available on
the beach access for my
community.
2. I understand the
purpose of the town
sponsored bucket tree
on the beach access for
my community.
3. I have used the
buckets on our
bucket tree to collect
trash on Highland
Beach.
4. I believe that the
bucket tree program is a
beneficial program that
helps keep Highland
Beach clean.
5. I encourage others
in my community to
use the buckets
found on the bucket
tree.
6. I would like to see
additional bucket
trees installed at other
communities along the
beach.
Comments - anything else you would like to share
Highlands Place 5 5 4 5 5 5
Highlands Place 5 5 2 1 1 1
Highlands Place 2 1 1 1 3 1
I have not seen one of the three buckets ever moved from the tree. So I can make an intelligent
assumption that these buckets are not being used and therefore have not impact on the community.
I never even knew what they were there for until this email......just ugly buckets hanging on a "tree"
in front of our unit.
Highlands Place 5 5 1 5 5 5
Highlands Place 5 5 5 5 5 5
Highlands Place 5 5 1 3 1 3
Highlands Place 5 5 1 5 1 5
Highlands Place 5 5 1 1 1 1
Highlands Place 5 5 5 5 5 5
I would love to see representatives from buildings to spend 15 minutes to walk along beach and pick
up trash on their walk and deposit in their buckets.
Highlands Place 1 5 1 5 5 5 Who empties the buckets?
Highlands Place 1 2 1 3 3 4
Highlands Place 5 5 1 5 5 5
Highlands Place 5 5 5 5 5 5 Really great initiative!
Trafalgar 2 1 1 4 2 4 A flyer that explains the program would be nice to hang in our mailroom.
5 5 1 5 1 5
Trafalgar 1 1 1 3 3 3
at trafalgar there is a garbage can adjacent to the tree-- as a result I do not believe I have seen
anyone use the tree...
Trafalgar 4 3 1 5 5 5
Trafalgar 5 5 5 5 5 5 Soooo much better than a baggy and with the nice trash receptacle their is great. Thank you
Trafalgar 5 5 1 3 1 1
We have a large garbage can right underneath the tree where everyone puts their garbage. So far
Trafalgar it is unnecessary
Trafalgar 5 5 5 5 5 5
Trafalgar 5 4 2 5 5 5
5 4 5 5 5 5
Trafalgar 4 5 5 5 1 5 People may be hesitant to pick up trash with Covid circulating
Trafalgar 5 5 5 5 5 5
Trafalgar 4 4 4 4 3 3
Please have gut removed at beach next to trafalgar it encroaches on trafalgars property and is an
eyesore and blocks view of many residents. It is never used or maintained and doesn’t belong at
that location
Trafalgar 5 5 5 5 5 5
Trafalgar 1 1 1 1 1 1
Trafalgar 2 2 2 3 3 3
Trafalgar 5 5 5 5 5 5
I love using the bucket when I clean up trash daily on the beach. I think having long handled tongs
would be very helpful and much easier on my back.
I am also wondering if along side of our garbage can there could be a recycling can as well. Thank you
for your efforts in helping the environment.
Page 55
1/23/22, 11:04 AM Highland Beach Bucket Tree Use
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1mVH1mpuw0vE8u8_1clecGGeiTZCj7PomXGkz1I3lfSo/viewanalytics 1/5
Sur vey Questions
Please indicate in which community you reside
26 responses
Highland Beach Bucket Tree Use
29 responses
Publish analytics
Toscana
Trafalgar
Highlands Place
Bel Lido
46.2%
53.8%
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1/23/22, 11:04 AM Highland Beach Bucket Tree Use
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1mVH1mpuw0vE8u8_1clecGGeiTZCj7PomXGkz1I3lfSo/viewanalytics 2/5
1. I am aware that there is a town sponsored bucket tree available on the
beach access for my community.
29 responses
2. I understand the purpose of the town sponsored bucket tree on the
beach access for my community.
29 responses
1 2 3 4 5
0
5
10
15
20
4 (13.8%)3 (10.3%)0 (0%)0 (0%)0 (0%)3 (10.3%)
19 (65.5%)
1 2 3 4 5
0
5
10
15
20
4 (13.8%)
2 (6.9%)
1 (3.4%)1 (3.4%)1 (3.4%)3 (10.3%)
19 (65.5%)
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1/23/22, 11:04 AM Highland Beach Bucket Tree Use
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1mVH1mpuw0vE8u8_1clecGGeiTZCj7PomXGkz1I3lfSo/viewanalytics 3/5
3. I have used the buckets on our bucket tree to collect trash on Highland
Beach.
29 responses
4. I believe that the bucket tree program is a beneficial program that helps
keep Highland Beach clean.
29 responses
1 2 3 4 5
0
5
10
15
14 (48.3%)
3 (10.3%)0 (0%)0 (0%)0 (0%)2 (6.9%)
10 (34.5%)
1 2 3 4 5
0
5
10
15
20
4 (13.8%)0 (0%)0 (0%)0 (0%)
5 (17.2%)
2 (6.9%)
18 (62.1%)
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1/23/22, 11:04 AM Highland Beach Bucket Tree Use
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1mVH1mpuw0vE8u8_1clecGGeiTZCj7PomXGkz1I3lfSo/viewanalytics 4/5
5. I encourage others in my community to use the buckets found on the
bucket tree.
29 responses
6. I would like to see additional bucket trees installed at other communities
along the beach.
29 responses
1 2 3 4 5
0
5
10
15
8 (27.6%)
1 (3.4%)1 (3.4%)1 (3.4%)
5 (17.2%)
0 (0%)0 (0%)0 (0%)
15 (51.7%)
1 2 3 4 5
0
5
10
15
20
5 (17.2%)
0 (0%)0 (0%)0 (0%)4 (13.8%)
2 (6.9%)
18 (62.1%)
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1/23/22, 11:04 AM Highland Beach Bucket Tree Use
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1mVH1mpuw0vE8u8_1clecGGeiTZCj7PomXGkz1I3lfSo/viewanalytics 5/5
Comments - anything else you would like to share
11 responses
This content is neither created nor endorsed by Google. Report Abuse - Terms of Service - Privacy Policy
Soooo much better than a baggy and with the nice trash receptacle their is great.
Thank you
I love using the bucket when I clean up trash daily on the beach. I think having long
handled tongs would be very helpful and much easier on my back.
I’m also wondering if along side of our garbage can there could be a recycling can as
well. Thank you for your effor ts in helping the environment.
at trafalgar there is a garbage can adjacent to the tree-- as a result I do not believe I
have seen anyone use the tree...
People may be hesitant to pick up trash with Covid circulating
Please have gut removed at beach next to trafalgar it encroaches on trafalgars
proper ty and is an eyesore and blocks view of many residents. It is never used or
maintained and doesn’t belong at that location
A flyer that explains the program would be nice to hang in our mailroom.
Forms
Page 60
To date, The Highland Beach Club community has completed 3 beach walk clean-ups.
(11/6/21, 12/4/21 & 1/8/22). 10-20 individuals participate at any given time for a 30
-45 minute beach walk. On average, two commercial size trash bags are filled. The
majority of the trash is collected along the dunes in front of beach residences. The
most common items found are plastic bottle caps and plastic water bottles.
Page 61