Palm Trees in Tennessee: Overcoming Winter Challenges

 

Tennessee's cold and wet winters make it a difficult environment to sustain palm trees. With a moist subtropical atmosphere, some regions experience a moist mainland climate. Summers are hot and humid, with average July temperatures around 90 °F (32 °C). Winters are mild to cool, with average January temperatures around 40 °F (4 °C). The area sees approximately 50 days of thunderstorms each year, and tornadoes are also possible. Additionally, remnants of tropical typhoons and ice storms occasionally impact the region.

 

The highest recorded temperature in Tennessee was 113 °F (45 °C), while the coldest was -32 °F (-36 °C). The USDA zones in Tennessee range from 5b to 7b.

 

Challenges aside, there are cold-resistant palm trees that can thrive in Tennessee's colder temperatures, even as low as 5 °F. However, to successfully grow palm trees in colder areas, it is essential to create a microclimate that mimics the climate and temperature of zone 7.

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Palm Trees That Can Live In Tennessee

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Needle Palm Tree – Zones 5b-11 (- 15 to - 10F)

European Fan Palm Tree – Zones 7b-11 (5 to 10 F) 

Pindo Palm Tree – Zones 7b-11 (5 to 10 F) 

Sago Palm Tree – Zones 7b-11 (5 to 10 F) 

Saw Palmetto Palm Tree – Zones 7a-11 (0 to 5 F) 

Windmill Palm Tree – Zones 7b-11 (5 to 10 F)