History of Fort Myers, Florida
 
Between 1513 and 1521, Ponce de Leon surveyed across the Gulf Coast of Florida. Many believe that the barrier islands of Lee County were one of the ones he explored. Some settlers from Cuba and Spain built makeshift farming and fishing camps beside the coast.

During the 1700s, the Lee Island shoreline appeared in British maps. At the latter half of the 1700s shore areas of Lee County became the groundwork for pirates invading ships sailing to and from New Orleans.
In 1821, Florida became a US Territory, and its growing number of inhabitants requested protection against the Seminoles. Fort Myers was established near the river of Caloosahatchee as one of the bases for activities in the Seminole Indian Wars. The town was named after Colonel Abraham C. Myers to honor him.

The settlers in the fort left in 1858 until the Federal troops resettled there in 1863. The battle between Northern and Southern armies during the Civil War took place in 1865, across the river. These events are replayed annually at the North Fort Myers Cracker Festival.

The fort dismantled, and some wood from the construction of the first establishments were used for what we now know as Fort Myers. The town was inhabited by no more than ten families when it was first founded in 1876.

The number of settlers in Fort Myers continued to grow, and by 1885, it boasted a total population of 349 people. The town was the second largest on Florida's Gulf Coast. Thomas Alva Edison made a stop at the village on that same year. He quickly fell in love with the town and erected his home and laboratory on Caloosatchee River. Edison became one of the most prominent citizens of Fort Myers and was a compelling force for its development.

It was because of Edison's love for nature that he did his best to conserve and learn more about the royal palm lined up across Riverside Avenue. He got them moved and planted in the town, thus the nickname "City of Palms."

Originally, Edison's laboratory was established to research on goldenrod rubber. Many of his inventions and research materials are on exhibit. He is famous for incandescent light, which is considered his most significant invention.

Edison prides himself with almost 1100 patents to his name and is even considered the most productive inventor of America. Among his successful inventions were the movie camera and projector, phonograph, and microphone. He was also responsible for the less famous inventions such as tin foil mimeograph, and wax paper.

In 1921, a devastating hurricane propelled the collapse of thriving Florida. After five years, another catastrophic storm happened again. At the time of the Great Depression, Fort Myers suffered a significant loss along with the rest of the country. But that didn't stop the construction of some well-funded buildings in the town.

Fort Myers continued to develop along with the rest of Southwest Florida since World War II. The population began to grow as well as the commercial and trade scene in the city. The city of Fort Myers was able to retain most of its historic sites to ensure that they can be seen by the next generations to come.
 
 

Having trees in your yard can be both a blessing and a curse. If trees are in their perfect health and everything is going well, trees can provide so many benefits to any homeowner. However, when it starts to look unhealthy, and it gets exposed to diseases, it suddenly becomes a liability.

When there are issues about your tree that need immediate attention, the best person who can help you understand the situation is a certified arborist. A certified arborist is someone who specializes in tree maintenance, including pruning, planting, and even removal. An arborist has a scientific understanding of trees and shrubs, and he knows precisely what your trees need to thrive. A certified arborist knows soil management, and he can be trusted with tree inspection and diagnosis. Whatever concern you may have about your trees, a certified arborist is a perfect person to do the job.

What Kind of Services Can Arborists Do?
There are a number of things an arborist can do for your trees. He doesn't only know how to take care of a tree safely, but he also has a deep understanding of tree biology and factors in the environment that affects the overall wellness of trees. They act like doctors for trees because they can correctly diagnose any health issues your tree may have and provide treatments to restore their beauty and health.

• Tree Risk Assessment and Tree Removal, If Necessary
• Pruning and Trimming Services
• Emergency Care
• Planting and Transplanting Assistance
• Diagnosis for Pest Issues, Fungal Growth or Plant Disease
• Soil Testing and Amendments

From planting to removal, a certified arborist can provide help. If you need someone to inspect your tree for suspected health issues, a certified arborist can help find a solution to your tree care concern.
 
How do Arborists become Certified?
Before an arborist becomes certified, he has to undergo a rigorous process that includes studying and testing of processes involved in tree care. He has to have both experiences in the field and pass a national exam. The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) is the authority that oversees and administers the test an arborist needs to pass. Anyone who passes will undergo training and be on the field to gain skills and experience to be competent in the field of arboriculture. Further, they have to keep their certification up to date by learning the latest advancements and trends in the area. They should take continuing education courses throughout their career as an arborist.

How can I Find Arborists in My Area?
There are a lot of certified arborists around the Fort Myers area if you need their assistance. You can use the ISA's website to look for reliable arborists in the area, so you don't have to worry about other things. You can also ask friends, relatives, or neighbors who have recently used tree service for their recommendation. Always make sure to choose a reputable tree care company that has proven itself in terms of quality and customer service. Don't fall for a bargain too quickly because they are usually the ones who will scam you.

Palm trees provide us with a beautiful sight, and they look perfect against the bright sky. We want to ensure they are always healthy and they will thrive longer. However, there can be a reason why your palm fronds are turning into yellow, and it can be that the soil has insufficient essential nutrients.

How can you help your palm tree grow healthy and strong? Use a fertilizer. Learn how you can provide your tree with the nutrients it needs below.

What Is the Best Fertilizer to Use on a Palm Tree?
You have to make sure you choose a slow-release formula specially made for tropical trees such as palm. A slow-release fertilizer will ensure your tree gets enough amount of nutrients for the next months. It is essential that your tree gets a sufficient amount of nitrogen, magnesium, as well as iron to keep it healthy.

Is It Okay to Use a Homemade Fertilizer on Palm Trees?
You can use a homemade fertilizer but do not expect that it will have the same positive effect as the ones used by professional arborists. Homemade compost doesn't usually have enough nutrients to supply your trees.

A typical fertilizer includes cottonseed meal, bone meal, dolomite lime, and used tea leaves. Essential nutrients such as iron and magnesium that are crucial for growth are not found in homemade fertilizers. If you are located in the western part of the U.S., your soil may be high in pH. Also, the calcium found in the bone meal may do more harm than good.

If you use another favorite palm tree fertilizer that includes Epsom salt, beer, ammonia, and water, your tree will not get enough nitrogen or potassium.

It is crucial that you choose a fertilizer mix that is scientifically proven to provide enough nutrients that your palm tree requires. A homemade blend can lead your palm tree to lack the right nutrients it needs to live.

Can I Use an Epsom Salt Fertilizer for Palm Trees?
It is not ideal to use Epsom salt as fertilizer for your palm trees because of the reasons discussed earlier. Too much of everything can be detrimental to your tree's health and can cause issues with potassium.

A palm tree that is lacking in magnesium can use Epsom salt as addition to regular fertilizer applications. You can use Epsom salt for this purpose. You can sprinkle 2 to 3 pounds of Epsom salt below the tree's canopy then water it.

When is the Best Time to Fertilize Palm Trees?
The best time to fertilize your palm tree sometimes depends on your location. It can change based on the state where your tree is located. If you live in sandy soil, your tree may need more attention than other trees. It is best to fertilize your palm tree three or four times each year.

If you live in other states where the soil is considered normal, two or three fertilizations can do the trick.

Call Fort Myers Tree Service if you have any questions about palm tree care or fertilizing.