An Introduction to Palm Trees

Common Varieties of Palm Trees

Here are some of the most common palm tree varieties:

• Royal Palm
• Bismarck Palm
• Cabbage Palm
• Sabal Palm
• Christmas Palm
• Fishtail Palm
• Key Thatch Palm
• Pindo Palm
• Canary Island Date Palm
• Paurotis Palm
• Pygmy Date Palm
• Sentry Palm
• Windmill Palm
• Yellow Butterfly Palm

Palm Tree Root System

People often assume that since palm trees have such a rugged exterior that they are a very strong tree. This can be misleading because of their smaller root structure. Their roots do not grow deep like most other species of trees. A palm tree root ball actually grows very little as the size of the palm tree itself becomes larger. This makes palms popular because their roots don’t expand out and damage foundations, driveways and sidewalks like some other tree roots often do.

Choosing and Maintaining Your New Palm Tree

If you are like most people when you want to plant a new palm tree you will go to a nursery and choose a palm that has already started to grow in a container. In order to keep that palm healthy after planting it you need to consider several factors.

They are as follows:

• Plant in Nutrient Rich Soil: Unfortunately most natural soil is sadly lacking in nutrients. Since palm root balls do not grow very big you have to provide them with nutrient rich top soil where you place them. This is essential when planting any palm. Do not put fertilizer in the newly dug hole either. Wait 3 to 4 months to fertilize.
• Watering Your Palm: Even young palms require a lot of water. You should plan on watering your new palm trees at least 2 times per week for 5 to 6 months. If your soil that the palm is placed in is very sandy you may need to make it 3 times a week for watering. After the new palms are 6 months old then you should water them 2 times a month in the warmer months and once a month in the cooler months.
• Pruning Your Palm Trees: Palms are a variety of tree that does a good job taking care of themselves. Most of the time palm trees will lose their fronds naturally. Only remove severely yellowed or brown palm fronds. This is because slightly brown and yellow palm fronds will still feed the palm tree they are on nutrients.

Common Palm Tree Pests and Diseases

There are many different types of palm trees. Like any other, tree palms are susceptible to insect damage, disease, fungus, and bacteria.

Here are some of the more common palm tree pests that you need to be aware of:

• Cabbage Palm Caterpillar
• Giant Palm Borer
• Palm Budworm
• Palmetto Weevil
• Royal Palm Bug
• Thrips

Here are some of the more common diseases that will threaten your palm’s health if they contract them:

• Bud Rot
• Fusarium Wilt
• Ganoderma Butt Rot
• Lethal Yellowing