Palm trees provide a
lush look for your home or commercial site with little maintenance.
There are, though, many varieties - each with their own traits and
needs. So how can you choose the right one for your space? Here are
five questions that will help you decide.
Palms are
traditionally associated with the tropics or sunny deserts like
California. And to be sure, most palms do best in full sun and
relatively dry climates. But some species can handle more extreme
weather, including snow.
Bulgaria windmill
palms and pindo palm trees are both hardy enough to survive freezing
and snowy days. If your area is at risk of freezes, consider planting
a hardier palm species.
The specific
conditions where the tree will be planted also determine a good
choice. Does the location have full sunlight or just partial? Does
the soil have good drainage, or is it more likely to stay very wet?
As the tree ages and gets bigger, will it run into partial sunlight
conditions?
For palms with more
moisture, look for the lady palm or ruffled fan palm - both of which
come from more naturally wet regions. For tough, dry soil, consider
the triangle palm or Mediterranean fan palm. Before choosing a palm
species, test the soil to determine its makeup and work with a
professional landscape service to find a good match.
What sort of height
and width do you want your palm tree to reach? Some species, like the
sago palm, can be planted at shrub size and will grow extremely
slowly (sometimes no more than one inch per year), so they are great
for tight spaces. The Mexican parlor palm is another small palm that
will bush outward for a lush appearance but won't gain much height.
Want a taller tree
for privacy or because it's near larger architectural features? The
Mexican fan palm or Canary Island date palm - generally known as the
classic (and very) tall palm trees of Southern California skylines -
might fit the bill. The Chilean wine palm or triangle palm are a
compromise for those a little less ambitious.
All greenery comes
with some kind of maintenance requirements, but most palms generally
only need a little tending twice a year. You'll need to remove dead
or dying fronds as well as those which are growing in a downward
angle.
If you want to avoid
unnecessary pruning or cleanup, avoid date palms that drop fruit.
Coconut palms also tend to need extra care so that the coconuts don't
become heavy and fall.
Keep in mind that
the better you match the palm species with the soil, water, and
sunlight requirements as well as properly mulch it, the less it will
require extra fertilizer and chemical adjustments to the soil.
Finally, what do you
want your palm to add to the landscape? Are you looking for something
to add volume and green to the backdrop of a landscape? Then you may
want a small, bushy palm like the sago or lady palm.
But if you want a
statement piece that can serve as a focal point for the yard design,
add the unique and fascinating triangle palm. Want a palm that grows
at fun angles? Consider the flexible California fan palm.
No matter what your
reason for adding a palm tree to a landscape, work with professionals
to help make a great choice. At Turf
Master Sod Farm, we carry a variety of interesting palms perfect
for a variety of landscape locations. Call today to learn more.
