Planting depth for Palm Trees

Robert Pittman  December 9 2008 03:43:45 PM

How deep should you plant your new palm tree?

We are frequently asked this question and there is a simple answer. Palms should never be planted deeper than the surface of the dirt in the container they come from. Over planting a palm tree (planting the palm too deep) will suffocate the roots that are responsible for gathering nutrients from the soil.  It is our practice at A Quality Plant to plant palm trees 1-3" higher than grade.

A sure sign of overplanting is the darkening of the palm foliage.  The foliage can turn black on palms like Foxtails and Christmas Palms.  The palm will need to be raised to cure the problem.

The Sabal Palmetto, Sabal Palm or Cabbage Palm, is routinely planted deeper than the surface of the ground and can withstand this practice better than other palms.  If this is done on a birm or on the hill adjacent to an over-pass, the palm will do better.  Deep planting a Sabal Palm on level ground is not recommended.

Rob Pittman
www.aqualityplant.com

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