Choosing Palm Trees

Nothing else gives a landscape that "tropical" feel quite like palm trees. Florida Palm Trees like warm climate and a lot of sunshine. There are a lot of challenges to maintain a healthy and prosperous palm tree. It’s important for the homeowner to understand all these challenges and obtain the tools necessary to overcome them.

It can be hard to pick the right palm tree from the different types of Florida palm trees. When choosing a palm tree for your property consider five factors: Soil, size, temperature, sunlight, and water.

Right Soil for Palm Trees

Soil is the most important factor for healthy Palm Tree growth. When buying a palm tree ask how much nutrients and water the palm tree needs to receive. This will determine what kind of soil this type of palm tree will grow in the best. Fertilization is another important component of palm tree care.

Different types of Palm Trees require specially formulated fertilizers that answer to very specific conditions. If your soil is not very nutrient, it can be strengthened with organic or inorganic fertilizers.

MG 4.5LB Palm Food is a great fertilizer that I use. It feeds plants up to 3 months. It has all the elements most palm tree needs and easy to use. So, if you don't know what fertilizer to choose or tired of plant food that doesn't work, I would recommend trying MG 4.5LB Palm Food.

For example, Majesty Palm needs soil rich in magnesium and, plenty of water though they do not do well near the ocean due to the abundance of salt in the air. Or another palm tree, Royal Palms. This tree requires a nutrient rich soil, a lot of sun and plenty of water.

Here is a good video that I found that talks about size, soil and location.



Palm Tree Size

Size is very important. That little palm tree that you bought at the local nursery can get big very quickly. Palm trees can reach a height of 50 feet or more. It can overpower the rest of your property and interfere with the power lines if planted nearby.

Best Temperature for Palm Trees

Palm trees are usually found in the tropics, coastal regions, deserts and generally warmer areas. Tropical zones are distinguished as areas that experience high temperatures, humidity and rainfall. Tropical conditions are favorable for a larger number of palm tree types.

Since most of the palm trees like warm weather and even short period of frost can weaken a palm tree. Cold weather may leave it vulnerable to insects and disease or it can result in immediate death or sustained performance. A few palm species, such as the Queen palm or the Canary Island date palm, are considered "cold-hardy".

Cold-hardy palms can sustain a temperatures no lower than 20 degrees. This means that the areas that can grow palms are still quite limited; a cold-hardy palm will not grow in Michigan. So if you leave in a cold weather area and still want to have a beautiful palm tree in your garden check your climate zone first, you might be able to find the right type of palm tree that will grow in your climate.

Sunlight

It’s important how much sunlight your palm tree will be getting during daytime. You need to know that not all varieties of Palm Tree are equally sun tolerant. You’ll be surprised but some varieties prefer shady conditions to full sun exposure for the whole day. Keep this in mind when thinking of the kind of Palm Tree that would be best for you.

Watering Palm Trees

We always associate palm trees with desert conditions, but in the wild, they are only found near abundant and continuous supplies of water. If you are thinking about planting a palm tree on your property, make sure that the tree will receive enough water and be prepared to water a newly transplanted palm tree frequently while it is adapting to the new environment.

As you see, the needs of palm trees vary by species. You must consider the needs of the different types before you plant it to be sure you can meet its requirements and allow it to grow to its full potential.

I just found very good book for beginners that has step-by-step planting and care instructions, all nicely illustrated - "All About Palms." It has around 200 different species with a lot of beautiful photos. This book is perfect for an average homeowner who loves palm trees.