How to Plant Palm Trees

Palm trees add a touch of tropical elegance to any landscape. In this video, This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook demonstrates the proper techniques for planting palm trees in a Miami front yard.

When planting your own palm trees, remember to consider your local climate, available space, and long-term maintenance requirements. The article below outlines everything you need to know and will guide you through the planting process.

Choosing the Right Palm Tree

Bamboo Palm

The Bamboo Palm is a versatile, clumping palm that thrives in shady areas, making it perfect for use as an understory plant beneath larger trees or in areas with indirect sunlight. This palm can grow up to 10-12 feet tall, and its dense growth habit makes it ideal for creating privacy screens or hedges.

Homeowners often appreciate its low-maintenance needs and its ability to filter indoor air, making it a good option for both outdoor landscaping and interior decoration in homes with large windows or sunrooms. The Bamboo Palm is also drought-tolerant once established, which adds to its appeal in low-water landscaping projects.

Bismarckia

The Bismarckia palm is a striking, slow-growing palm known for its large, fan-shaped fronds that are a unique silvery-blue or gray color. It can reach heights of 30-40 feet, making it an impressive focal point in larger landscapes. This palm thrives in full sun and is highly drought-resistant once mature, making it ideal for warmer climates with hot, dry summers. Its dramatic appearance and durability make it a favorite for those looking to add a bold, tropical statement to their yard, though its size requires adequate space for proper growth and visual impact.

Bottle Palm

The Bottle Palm gets its name from its distinctive, swollen trunk that resembles the shape of a bottle. This slow-growing palm typically reaches heights of just 10-12 feet, making it ideal for small landscapes, patio areas, or as an accent plant near entrances. Its compact size and unique appearance make it a conversation starter in any garden. Although native to tropical climates, the Bottle Palm is relatively adaptable and can withstand moderate drought conditions once established. However, it is sensitive to cold and thrives best in USDA zones 10-11. Homeowners often choose the Bottle Palm for its low maintenance and sculptural presence in the landscape.

Montgomery Palm

The Montgomery Palm is a tall, slender palm that offers a classic tropical look with its smooth gray trunk and pinnate fronds. It can grow to heights of 25-40 feet and is often used in coastal areas due to its high wind tolerance, including resistance to hurricanes. This makes it an excellent choice for homeowners in coastal regions or areas prone to strong storms. Its upright growth habit also makes it suitable for lining driveways or framing entryways. The Montgomery Palm thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, and it’s relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal pruning and maintenance.

Royal Palm

The Royal Palm is one of the most iconic palm trees, known for its tall, stately appearance and striking green crownshaft. Capable of growing up to 70-80 feet tall, it’s an ideal choice for homeowners with larger landscapes looking for an elegant focal point. Its tall, straight trunk and large, feathery fronds make it a popular choice for lining streets or creating dramatic entryways. The Royal Palm is well-suited to tropical and subtropical climates, thriving in USDA zones 10-11. Although relatively fast-growing, it requires regular watering during its establishment period and prefers fertile, well-drained soils. The Royal Palm’s grandeur makes it a standout feature in any garden but is best suited for expansive outdoor spaces where its size can be fully appreciated.

Each of these palm varieties brings unique characteristics and aesthetic appeal to a landscape, allowing homeowners to choose based on space, climate, and personal design preferences. Whether you’re looking for a towering statement tree or a compact, decorative palm for a smaller yard, there’s a palm variety that can fit your needs.

Consider the following factors when making your choice:

• Climate: Palm trees thrive in warm, tropical climates, but some species are more adaptable to cooler temperatures. Research the hardiness zone of your area and choose palm varieties that can withstand local weather conditions. For instance, while coconut palms flourish in very warm climates, the needle palm can withstand temperatures down to -15°F.
• Size and growth rate: Different palm species grow at different rates and reach different heights when mature. Consider the available space in your yard and how quickly you want the trees to reach their apex. Some palms, like the Bismarckia, grow slowly and stay small for a long time, making them ideal for areas with overhead wires. Meanwhile, the royal palm can reach up to 80 feet, making it better suited for spacious yards.
• Appearance: In the video above, Cook and the homeowner explore a few different palm tree options, including the blue-gray Bismarckia and the unique bottle palm. Visit a nursery and take a look at a few different kinds to see which one you like the best. Mixing different varieties can create visual interest and contrast in your landscape.
• Maintenance requirements: Some palm trees are relatively low-maintenance, while others require more care and attention. Research the specific needs of the palm trees you are considering. For example, some palms are drought-tolerant, while others require frequent watering.

Prepare for Planting

Before you begin digging, choose a location that provides adequate sunlight and space for your palm trees to grow. Avoid planting directly beneath overhead wires or too close to structures. Lay out the trees while still potted, as Cook demonstrates in the video, to visualize their placement before planting.

Utility Check

Contact your local utility company to check for buried cables or pipes before digging. This prevents damage to underground infrastructure and ensures your safety during the planting process. Always mark any identified utility lines with visible flags or paint.

Soil Assessment

While many palms are adaptable to various soil types, it’s worth checking your soil composition. In the video, Roger notes that the Miami location has a layer of limestone coral beneath the topsoil, requiring a backhoe for digging. Conduct a soil test to check for proper drainage and pH levels. Well-draining soil is especially important for palm health, preventing root rot and other issues.

Planting Palm Trees: Step by Step

Follow these steps to properly plant your palm trees:

1. Mark the planting area: Mark the planting area by spraying an outline on the ground around the potted tree. Make the circular outline 12 inches larger than the pot diameter.
2. Dig the planting hole: Dig the planting hole using a pointed shovel or backhoe. The hole should be slightly shallower than the height of the tree’s root ball. If the palm is planted too deeply, it will hinder growth.
3. Check the hole depth: Check the hole depth by laying a rake handle across the hole and measuring down. Compare this measurement to the height of the root ball in the pot to ensure it’s adequate.
4. Remove the tree from its container: Remove the palm tree from its container by tipping it onto its side and carefully sliding off the pot. This minimizes stress on the roots.
5. Place the tree into the hole: Place the tree into the hole, ensuring it’s positioned upright and facing the desired direction. Adjust as necessary for optimal appearance.
6. Backfill the hole: Backfill the hole with the excavated soil, making sure not to add any amendments or fertilizer. Use native soil for the best results, as palms are adapted to their local environment.
7. Water thoroughly: Water the tree thoroughly as you backfill to eliminate air pockets and settle the soil around the roots. This initial watering is crucial for the tree’s establishment.
8. Apply mulch: Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of bark mulch around the base of the tree, being careful not to pile it against the trunk. Mulch helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

In areas prone to strong winds, consider staking your newly planted palm tree, as well. Use soft, flexible ties to avoid damaging the trunk and remove the stakes once the tree is well-established.

Caring for Newly Planted Palms

Proper care in the weeks and months following planting is necessary to establish healthy palm trees. Cook emphasizes the importance of a consistent watering schedule for newly planted palms:

• Water daily for the first week
• Water every other day during the second week
• Water twice a week throughout the summer

This gradual reduction in watering frequency helps the palm establish a strong root system while preventing overwatering. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other problems, so it’s important to balance moisture levels.

Fertilization

Most palm trees don’t require fertilization immediately after planting. Wait several months before applying a slow-release, palm-specific fertilizer to promote healthy growth. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid over-fertilizing, which can be detrimental to the tree’s development.

Pruning

Avoid pruning newly planted palms unless absolutely necessary. If you must remove dead or damaged fronds, use clean, sharp pruning tools to minimize stress on the tree. Pruning should be done sparingly to protect the palm’s health.

Monitoring for Pests and Diseases

Regularly check your palm trees for signs of pests and diseases. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing serious damage. Common pests include spider mites and palm weevils, while fungal infections can manifest as discolored spots on fronds.