Transplanting a pygmy date palm from one location in the landscape to another is easier than with broad-leaf trees due to the shallow and vigorously growing root systems of palm trees. Tying up the fronds. Now I can decide where to plant and how to plant, water, and fertilize it. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. All the trees were planted roughly 6 mo. For large trees, place casters under the pots in case they become too heavy to lift and move when full. Be sure to choose an area where there is enough room for the tree to spread and grow and dig a hole for the … Thanks for all the good information. To check to see if a palm pup is ready to be transplanted, remove some of the dirt around the palm pup. They are compact and may be lifted out like a ball. On the other hand, palms planted too deeply risk rot on their trunks, also destabilizing them, causing disease and rot. Their roots are relatively non-invasive, meaning that you could potentially plant them near pools and other structures. Also, pre-dig the hole in the location where you will be transplanting the sago palm. It depends on climate conditions and how you plant it from the nursery. Mexican Fan Palms grow quite wide and tall, so allow at least 10 meters between them. Support wikiHow by When you transplant, make sure that you do not plant the palm too deep. Mix fresh potting soil with some bone meal or slow-release fertilizer. The best time to transplant your palm tree is in spring or summer. unlocking this expert answer. There are many different species of palm tree (Arecaceae or Palmae), most of which can be grown in containers or pots. Palm trees are popular landscaping landmarks in tropical regions. For example mature Canary Island date palms are a very popular species of palm for mature palm tree transplanting. This article was co-authored by Maggie Moran. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 446,873 times. Palm trees take a long time to grow to their full size! Once the plant is out of the pot, wash the roots in running water to remove the soil. Every day at wikiHow, we work hard to give you access to instructions and information that will help you live a better life, whether it's keeping you safer, healthier, or improving your well-being. Choose a heavy container that will support the weight of the palm and make it approximately 4 to 6 inches larger across than the current container. Their delicate root system is a reason for this because unlike other trees, palms possess roots that take time to “heal” after being cut and also require to get acclimated to their new environment. Before you plant your palm tree, make sure that you are putting it exactly where you want it, or indeed, be sure that you want a palm tree at all. Transplanting is a method that is used to move a plant, palm or tree to another area. In this case, 87% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. What is the best time of year to plant a palm tree? Resistant to storm winds, and offering great shade and cover, palm trees are reliably no-fuss once you've put them into the ground. Gently pack the soil down around the base of the plant. Palm tree growth occurs only at the growing tip, sometimes called a crownshaft, at the top of the trunk, and cutting off this growing tip by severing the trunk kills the plant. I took a long time to conclude that I had to get rid of the palm trees near my house. Check for pods with ripe fruits/seed. If you decide your potted palm needs a little more root room, you need to figure out how to transplant a ponytail palm tree. [1] Whatever your reason for transplanting your palm, you must follow some basic instructions. Most potted palm trees do well in the same container for up to two years. Place wire mesh or screen over the drain holes in the bottom of the new pot and fill with at least four inches of soil. Palms with exposed root balls are said to be “on their tiptoes,” and are less stable. Hi All, I have a few Palm Trees of various type, ranging in sive from ankle high to waist high, which I'd like to transplant to a different area. Also make sure to find the front side of the palm, e.g. Step 5 - Water. It will take two to three weeks if you planted with a seed that has started germination in the storage sack. What fertilizer do I need to add to a palm tree? Repot a palm tree when necessary to keep these attractive tropical trees lush and vibrant in your indoor or outdoor growing area. When you do decide to fertilize, remember to use a slow-acting fertilizer, and hold off placing the fertilizer directly near the trunk. The specific stalk or tr… For a palm less than 15 feet in height, a root ball of shovel-width radius outward from from the trunk edge provides for adequate root survival. Do this carefully, as damaged palm pup roots tend to die back and this will set the pup back. "Hi. Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania. Writing professionally since 2008, Michelle Miley specializes in home and garden topics but frequently pens career, style and marketing pieces. Thanks! I had just received my palm plants a few hours ago. Fill the hole with a good quality compost mixed with added fertilizer and some sand for drainage. They need full sun and good drainage. Transplant the date palm to an appropriate location. Your support helps wikiHow to create more in-depth illustrated articles and videos and to share our trusted brand of instructional content with millions of people all over the world. Form a circle around the sago palm and dig at a depth of at least 12 inches. Most palm tree varieties are propagated by seed or by air layering. Palms evolved to have a symbiotic relationship with these fungi and thrive when they are present in the soil, as the fungi colonize the tree’s root system and help it take in nutrients and water. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Root-prune the bismarck palm four to eight weeks prior to the scheduled transplanting date. Use great care lifting, if done manually, since palm trees have a high center of gravity with their relatively small root balls. There is a common misconception when it comes to palm trees. Use a wide nylon or polyester strap to lift the tree if using a machine for this purpose, to avoid damaging the bark of the tree. If there are no drain holes in the bottom of the pot, either drill some or place an inch of gravel on the bottom of the pot before filling. Yes. You can purchase mycorrhizal treatments online or from plant stores. With simple protection you can grow any cold hardy palm tree. Budget: Small palms cost less, big palms cost more. ", "First time planting Queen Palms, awesome article!". Tap or shake the pot to filter the fresh soil down in between the roots of the palm. How to Trim a Palm Tree. On multi-stemmed palms, also called c_lustering palms_, the plant will continue to grow if the trunk is severed, but it will rejuvenate new stems from the roots to replace the removed one. References Slice garden shovel blades into the ground around the palm's trunk to sever existing roots. Do not just place the fertilizer between the soil and the root ball as this can damage the tree’s roots. Don't be discouraged if your first attempt fails. Do you want a piece of paradise in your yard? Love palms, and now have a few in our yard, so any information I can get helps. Use great care not to damage the bark of the tree, since any damage will offer insects an opportunity to attack it. They also make long-lasting and easy-care indoor plants. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. How long does it take for a palm tree to grow to about two meters tall? This article has been viewed 446,873 times. A long slow trickle from a hose will allow the plant plenty of time to absorb the water. You can grow a palm tree unprotected. ", "Making sure the crown is well above ground level helped. The key is to be gentle so you do not break the heart at the center of the palm or otherwise damage it. Luckily palms are one of the easiest plants to move because of their large and fibrous root ball as opposed to trees with long taproots. If the palm is in the front yard, that probably means facing the street; if it's in the backyard, that probably means facing the house. Did you know you can read expert answers for this article? Next, expose the root ball’s root system and ease the tree down, making sure the root ball is slightly lower than the level of the adjacent ground. Mature trees cost much more than immature trees. Small palms can cost as little as $100 while big behemoths can cost thousands of dollars. Will the roots harm the foundation of my neighbor's house? Nonetheless, the hole should not be … Some people insert short lengths of 2 inch (5.1 cm) or larger PVC pipe into the ground around the root ball, with one end sticking up, to facilitate watering. Do not bury more of the tree than was under the soil already. Thanks for sharing. Aesthetics: Do you want to watch your palm grow, or do you want it to immediately fit into your landscape? In its new position, dig a hole that should be twice as wide as the root. This article was co-authored by Maggie Moran. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. Of course there are much more things that can go wrong but this should help. Before lifting the palm with a … Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Traditionally, mature palm transplanting is performed using an excavator, crane and low loader to remove, transport and relocate palm trees. This article has been viewed 446,873 times. Queen palm trees may look tall and unwieldy, but they are actually much easier to transplant than most other varieties of trees because of the relatively narrow configuration of their root systems. % of people told us that this article helped them. Thanks, God, they are saved now. I really wanted to know how to plant them as they were not, "Just moved here from Illinois, where Palm trees are not seen or grown. Use great care when digging, especially if using power equipment, since unknown underground utilities may be encountered. Small ponytail palms grown in containers are fairly easy to move to bigger pots. So let’s look at some of the best ones to choose: Archontophoenix: A. alexandre, Alexander palm to 18m; A. cunninghamiana, Bangalow palm to 18m. If you transplanting a palm from the pot into the ground, you can place the palm in the area in which it will be planted a week in advance. X ", Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow. How do I control the top seeds from getting in my yard and growing new palms? Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. When transplanting, leave at least 6 … Use the excess soil that remains to create the dam about 2 … How to Plant a Palm Tree: 15 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow Palms can be transplanted during the spring or early in the summer and generally tolerate transplantation well, although some varieties that can struggle with transplant, such as the Dypsis decipeins and Bismarkia nobilis. Mature palm transplants are an expensive and complex process that will require planning and ongoing maintenance. Horticulturalist Maggie Moran explains, “Palm trees have shallow roots that usually reach depths of 36 inches (91 cm) or so. Drive stakes on three sides, equidistant apart around the tree's circumference, and fasten lumber support braces (2X4 treated lumber will work) to blocks of wood secured to the trunk with tie wire, placed over the burlap. If the palm is small, it can be dug out by hand or with mechanical tree spades. As a general rule, palm trees need to be transplanted when the roots are coming out of the pot bottom, the soil becomes compacted or the palm tree becomes too unstable. Water the palm thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes. This could help prevent the spread of palm trees in your yard. Plants grown in greenhouses, however, may need transplanted more often. Choose a new pot that is about 2 to 4 inches larger than what the tree is currently in. Once established, palm trees are nearly impossible to get rid of, as even a fragment of the tree's roots will sprout up into a new tree, even when the main body of the tree is removed. Give the new transplant lots of water, and let the water compact the dirt down into the hole. Otherwise, I would have added the fertilizer immediately in order to give strength to my plant. Date palms tend to be hardy and drought-tolerant and make a nice addition to the landscape. Disturb the root ball as little as possible during this process - it is not necessary to loosen or cut the roots when transplanting palm trees. Look for developed roots on the palm pup. to 1 year ago. Exposed top of the tree's root crown is good -- but grading soil up to and exposing the root ball is a no-no. Be sure that the hole is deep enough to barely cover the top of the palm's root ball, but not so deep that the trunk can be drowned and rot. If you cut off a palm tree at the trunk, it will not grow back. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Sunset Western Garden Book; Sunset Magazine. Her essays have been used on college entrance exams and she has more than 4,000 publishing credits. Step 3. This article has helped me a lot. The seeds become red when they are ripe. If the palm is over 30 gallon, you will need a tractor or a crane depending on the size supporting and lifting the palm. Tap or shake the pot to filter the fresh soil down in between the roots of the palm. ", lot of great information for a novice like me. Wrap the trunk at least 1/4 up the tree's height with a 16 inch (40.6 cm) wide piece of burlap to keep the bracing board cleats from chaffing the bark when the tree tries to sway in high winds. For more advice from our Horticulturist reviewer, including tips on how to keep the tree watered, keep reading! Many think regularly trimming palms will help them grow when in fact just the opposite is true. How far away from wall should a Pygmy palm be planted? Place the palm’s root ball into the center of the new pot and add soil until it reaches the same spot on the tree trunk as the soil in the old pot. Approved. By using our site, you agree to our. If the pup has roots, it can be transplanted. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Select a new planting container for the potted palm. To plant a palm tree, dig your hole at least 6 inches wider and deeper than the tree’s root ball. Palm trees are good landscaping plants because their roots are non-invasive. the side that has been given the most sunlight. What Nutrients Help the Shock of Transplanting a Pygmy Date Palm? This site was very beneficial, and gives a, "Not knowing anything about palms, the information was extremely helpful and now at least I can feel comfortable, "Step by step is useful. How far apart should Mexican fan palms be planted? Tip 1: Acclimatize the palm before transplanting Palm trees don’t like sudden changes in temperature and light levels. Because even fast-growing palm varieties grow more slowly in containers, transplanting them is necessary only once every one or two years when the plant is in danger of becoming root bound or top heavy. Water the transplant site deeply two to three times after transplanting to minimize transplant shock. Add more potting soil if necessary to keep the tree planted as deeply as it was in the previous container. If the palm tree is tall, it may be easier to remove it from its pot while it is laying on its side. Palm trees are unique garden plants that require much more attention when transplanting them than other trees may need. The seeds from the palm tree are used for food here in Africa. Then, put 6 inches of sand in the bottom of the hole. Would it be possible to transplant a young healthy rooted indoor plant into a larger planter and potentially even add a second plant? Starting with mature palms is expensive, sometimes so big that they need to be trucked and craned into the site. The difficulty in transplanting an indoor palm tree to a new, larger pot is dependent on the size of the palm; for larger trees, you might need a hand. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. First, remove the plant from its pot by sliding a flat instrument, like a dinner knife, around the inside of the container. Depending on your preference, you'll probably want the sunny side of the palm facing a spot where you can enjoy it. ", buying and planting the right palms for my area. Transplanting palm trees makes a great instant and dramatic landscape feature. For more advice from our Horticulturist reviewer, including tips on how to keep the tree watered, keep reading! How far from your home does a palm tree need to be planted? Work the palm tree out of its container by gently pulling on the bottom of the trunk while tapping the side of the pot. Moving a Sago Palm Tree. After transplanting, queen palms require constant moisture for root re-establishment. Amid the current public health and economic crises, when the world is shifting dramatically and we are all learning and adapting to changes in daily life, people need wikiHow more than ever. She holds an Associate of Applied Science in accounting, having graduated summa cum laude. The date palm, a well-known fruit-producing ornamental, is relatively easy to transplant, according to the University of Florida Extension. So if you want to get started planting a palm tree somewhere on your property, see the details and issues below. Last Updated: November 3, 2020 Steady watering ensures that the tree does not dry out. Whether you have a pot-bound palm that has been in … Just one raw seed is needed to make one palm tree. Many Home owners do not know that they can grow palm trees in their area.If you are In a zone 6a or warmer (see map Green Section). Do not bury the root crown (top of the tree ball) or trunk of any other palm trees; please consult with a certified arborist prior to planting if you have any doubts about how deep your palm can be planted. Palm trees can be very temperamental. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Palm tree varieties to try at home Palm treess make a great addition to your garden, providing an instant tropical effect. Power equipment can be a tremendous help with large trees, which may weigh over 1000 pounds. Fill the hole, watering as you go, and build a soil barrier around the newly planted tree to help it retain water. How long does it take for a palm tree to grow to 10 feet? It may be necessary to rock the plant back and forth a bit as you pull it form the pot. Step 1 Remove a third of the leaves to reduce the stress that comes with transplanting a robellini palm. Harvest the pods by cutting them out of the tree with a cutlass or machete. Approximately 24-48 hours before any sago palm tree transplanting, water the plant deeply and thoroughly. You should also consider improving your palm’s soil with mycorrhizal fungi. Place the fertilizer one or two feet around the trunk of the tree to avoid over-fertilizing. The top of the root system should be above the top of the soil. very big in size and I was afraid they would die. Over time, the cutting will develop a root system that allows it to grow on its own. Anyone have suggestions as to how this is done best? {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/13\/Remove-a-Palm-Tree-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-a-Palm-Tree-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/13\/Remove-a-Palm-Tree-Step-1.jpg\/aid367560-v4-728px-Remove-a-Palm-Tree-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"