Palm trees are known for their exotic presence and the mood they create. While most of us associate them with warm, balmy climates, there are a number of palm species that acclimate to colder temperatures. These are the cold hardy breeds. Dwarf sugar palms, Bismarck palms and the Chinese windmill palms are just a few of these types. As the United States has a variety of climate zones, the climate you live in will determine the types of palms you have to choose from.
When choosing a tree for your yard, keep in mind that baby trees can get really tall, so be sure to find out how tall a particular tree will get once it matures. The same applies if you opt to start with seedlings. Power lines, sewer lines, and nearby buildings may pose a problem should your palm outgrow its neighborhood. Sunlight and shade considerations are something else to keep in mind when deciding what type of palm to grow. Some prefer shade, while others do well in direct sunlight.
The best time to plant your palm is during the warmer months when the ground soil is at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit. When planting, the sooner it's in the ground the better, so try not to put off planting it after purchase. Maintaining a consistent level of moisture within its root structure is important, so be sure to keep it watered if you're unable to plant right away. Dig a hole that's about twice the size of the root ball, and just deep enough to cover the roots. Any deeper risks depriving your tree of needed water and mineral deposits during its growth period.
Once your tree is in the ground, add a good three inches of organic mulch on top of the dirt. Construct a barrier around it so water remains trapped within the tree's circumference. The barrier can be made up of soil, or rocks, or both, and should encompass the area above where the roots reside. For the first two weeks water your palm daily. Keeping the soil from drying out during this time is essential to the overall health and strength of your tree as it matures.
If your starting with seedlings, be selective as to which ones are planted. Keep in mind that the gestation period for palms can take as long as two to three years, so it may be a long while before shoots begin to grow above ground. You can speed up this process a bit by preparing the seedlings prior to planting. Firm, heavy seeds are the best ones to use. Soak them for 24 hours in tepid water. The ones that sink are the best ones to plant. You can either plant them in a pot or in the ground when the weather is warm. Moist soil and low to moderate sunlight are the best conditions for your seedling to grow.
The trick to maintaining your palm tree's health is making sure its soil is well nourished. Fertilizer applications are needed on a periodic basis to maintain mineral levels in the soil. Use fertilizers specifically made for palm trees as these will have the iron, magnesium, manganese and potassium levels your tree will need. Soils that have a high sand composition are best suited as they allow water to drain throughout the tree's root system. When watering your palm it's best to do a slow watering rather than a one-time drenching. Your climate zone, the time of year, and rainfall frequency will determine how often you'll need to water.
Another essential soil component are mycorrhizal fungi organisms. These are considered to be beneficial fungi that deliver nutrients and water to your palm's root system. Mycorrhizal fungi treatments can be purchased in granular form. Adding them to your soil is as easy as drilling holes around the tree, and placing the granules in the holes.
Always exercise caution when mowing or weed-whacking around your palm as any chips or breaks in the bark risk exposing it to insects and infections. Wrapping your palm's trunk with bubble-wrap and mulch will help keep it warm during the cold months.
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