PALM SELECTION

Several factors need to be considered when selecting palm for planting.

If you have a specific type of palm in mind you need to consider how the plant will look in the landscape in 10-15 years, when it reaches maturity. Are there overhead power and telephone cables? Would the palm pose a potential hazard in high winds? Will the palm be exposed to full sun, partial or shade? Will the palm be exposed to high winds, salt spray and will it have to handle cold conditions and frosts? Our Palm selection table will help you decided on the palm best suited to your location.

As a general rule small sections with one story housed look best with medium sized or smaller palms. Larger Palms such as washingtonias and queen palms look best when planting in large areas or close to tall building. Clusters of palm generally look better when planted in odd numbers (1,3,5) unless more than seven are being planted in one area.

Consideration should be made of the type of soil the palms should be planted in. Is it alkaline soil, sandy, volcanic, clay or another soil-type? By knowing what soil the palm is to be planted in then you can predict nutrient deficiencies and prevent them before the problem arises.