Brandon Hall
Feb 16, 20192 min read
6,5750
When you think of palm trees, you think about the sun, sandy white beaches, vacations, and a laid-back lifestyle. In Southern California, Florida, and the Caribbean, anywhere you look you will be sure to be surrounded by gorgeous palm trees. They are planted most often in lush landscapes including new home development, indoor/outdoor malls, around swimming areas, and all along the roads, shorelines, and hotels.
Incredibly, there are more than 2,750 different palm tree species in the world and that number is growing as growers create hybrids and new species of palms. Palm trees can be best differentiated into several types based on their style of trunk, different leaf structures, growth rates, fully matured size, and resistance to cold temperatures.
Besides these differences, palm trees can also differ in their tolerance for salt, drought, water, sun, fruit, colors, flower production, and more. Almost all palms grow in tropical and subtropical climates, however, there are a few others that can tolerate freezing temperatures down to -25F. To see one of the more popular cold hardy palm trees, check out palm trees in the snow For more information about various palms, check out different palm tree types.
Are palm trees really trees some might ask? The answer might surprise you. Their development structure can be climbers, bushes, trees, and stemless plants, all regularly known as palms. Those having a tree structure are known as palm trees. So is a palm tree an actual tree then? Technically no, they are blooming plants, a family in the monocot order Arecales. Monocots consist of more than 60,000 different species including orchids, rice, some large grasses, and way more.
With such huge numbers of palms to choose from, it can get to be extremely overwhelming, especially if you are new to the palm tree scene. While picking your palm tree, consider the reason you want to own one in the first place. Is it going to give shade at the pool? Be a point of convergence in the front yard? Or on the other hand, do you need some privacy from your pesky neighbors? Choosing the reason will assist you with narrowing down your decision. If you live in a tropical state like Florida, the atmosphere isn't an issue since almost any palm will develop and grow successfully there.
Appearance is another vital factor in picking a tree. There are multi-trunk and single-trunk palms. Multi-trunks are extraordinary for making a fence or barrier between properties. Single trunks are ideal for points of convergence or for planting along the garage or down the side of the driveway.
Furthermore, palms have different leaf arrangements palmate (fan-shaped) or pinnate (feather-formed). A standout amongst the most famous palm trees with fan-molded leaves is the Bismarck Palm or Bismarckia nobilis. This is a standout amongst the most wanted palm trees anywhere around that will give any scene an emotional and visual impact. This tree is ideal for a common point of convergence. Canary Island date palms are also very popular and majestic!
A perfect example of a pinnate (feather-shaped) palm is the Queen Palm or Syagrus romanzoffiana It's one of the more beloved palm trees in the world because of its elegance, low maintenance, price, and ability to stand temps in the 30s for brief periods.
If you are into "zone pushing" and want to learn about a cold-hardy palm tree that can withstand temperatures down to 5 degrees when mature, then take a look at the Windmill Palm Tree. This palm also has fan-shaped fronds and is considered to be a slow grower compared to other palm trees. Companies in the Northeast like CT Palm Trees, based out of CT, sell windmill palms at times and also sell and rent other tropical plants.
Below are some great tips on how to care for your palm tree! Numerous palms perish due to owners not knowing how to properly care for them. So take notes!
We shall begin with planting. If you accidentally plant it the incorrect way, dug excessively deep, or raised too high, the tree may not survive. When planting a palm, attempt to limit the 'transplant shock' by acclimatizing your tree to the new area first. Leave however much soil on the roots as could be expected and don't trim the roots. Recently planted trees shouldn't be given any nutrients until new roots are produced which takes 1-2 months. If you add fertilizer in the wake of planting, it will just put more pressure/stress on your newly planted palm.
Palms are typically not found in the desert, they like wet, drained soil. That is the reason you should utilize a decent quality soil that assimilates water well yet, in addition, gives quick seepage. Poor soil causing the water not to drain can prompt root decay and in the long run the demise of the tree. To ensure your tree is getting enough water test the dirt with a soil tester. Recently planted palms have short roots and should be watered regularly. Once settled in, you can change to the regular watering schedule. Palms should be watered more regularly amid the sweltering summer months, compared to during the wintertime. Here is a guide on how to water your palm tree.
Fertilizer is important, especially since you typically get what you pay for. Invest in a high-quality brand. You need to ensure your palm is getting every one of the nutrients needed particularly amid the developing season when it's growing new roots and new foliage. Healthy trees have a much better chance of surviving the cold snaps in winter as well.
Remember, too much fertilizer can consume the underlying foundations of the palm debilitating it. Debilitated plants regularly draw in various nuisances and diseases. I prefer to utilize a slow-release fertilizer that keeps going up to half the year and doesn't dissolve after 2-3 downpours. As I've referenced above, don't introduce recently planted palms with fertilizer until adapted.
Numerous individuals believe that cutting yellowing leaves or dark-colored tips will enhance the development of the new fronds. NOT TRUE! Palm trees are not like other plants. They use supplements from the diminishing fronds to develop new leaves. In this way, trim just DRY leaves that are dead. I realize it doesn't look great with each one of those darker leaves hanging down, however, hold up till they are dry. Remember, cutting fronds excessively at the same time will cause the palm stress. Here is a great blog of ours on how to properly prune your palm tree.
Some landscapers offer to trim palms before a tropical storm saying it will assist the tree with surviving. Many people tend to believe this is in the trees' best interest... It is NOT! The fronds help to protect the tree during storms, and any damage done to the tree will be reversed quicker if the tree has all of its fronds to draw energy and nutrients from afterward.
Most inquiries I receive are about cold/frost-harmed palms. Unless you own a very cold hardy palm tree, individuals who live in tropical atmospheres are not set up and prepared for cold fronts that unexpectedly hit the territory out of the blue. In the event that you are not checking the temperatures consistently, you can wake up with a frosty, and sad palm tree under dis-stress!
The most imperative piece of the palm is its bud or spear. That is the area in the center where the new development of fronds originates from. On the off chance that the bud gets harmed during cold snaps, the tree in all likelihood will sadly kick the bucket. Healthier and more mature palms have a better chance of surviving the winter months. Low temperatures can likewise harm the tissue in the trunk, which may influence the amount of water that gets to the fronds causing harm or death.
To protect your palms from cold the most straightforward thing you can do is to shower them with a spray from your local store that protects the palm during frost. You can also use a frost blanket. Other things you can do are:
Spread mulch to protect the palm’s roots. At least 6 inches thick.
Use burlap to wrap the trunk of the palm tree.
Use a container, or even a garbage can to protect if the palm is small.
Use a space heater.
Use warm CFL lights or Christmas lights to wrap around the tree to add heat.
If you are interested in renting or buying palms for the summer check out the links below:
If Living in Connecticut, Visit Rent Real Palm Trees In CT
If Living In New Jersey, Visit Buy Palm Trees In NJ
If living in New York, Visit Buy Palm Trees and Tropical Plants In NY
If Living in Massachusetts, Visit Buy Or Rent Palm Trees In Mass.
If Living in Rhode Island, Visit Buy Palms In Rhode Island
If curious about WHOLESALE Palm Inquires, visit Wholesale Palm Trees In Florida.
Check Out What Palms Can Survive In Your State
Store Your Tropical Plants With Us During Winter! Visit Our Tropical Plant Winter Storage Page For More Info!