Can You Over Water a Palm Tree?

If a client has recently asked you, “Can you over water a palm tree?” you could go with the simple answer. “Yes!” Or you could opt for a more informed response from the palm tree experts at Palmco.

Palmco’s 600 plus acre palm tree plantation is one of the largest in the United States. We have been serving the needs of landscapers, landscape designers, and architects for over 30 years. Our experienced staff is well versed in everything palm and bamboo, and we ensure that you are met with exceptional customer service.

So, when it comes to being able to answer client questions about palm trees, we should be your go-to resource. As a family-owned business, we take pride in our expertise and dedication to our wholesale customers’ satisfaction.

FAQs about Palm Trees

We understand that you probably know the basics about the plants you use in your customer installations. However, there are probably some areas in which you are left wondering how to reply. Here are our FAQs for palm trees:

Can you over water a palm tree?
Absolutely. Newly installed palm trees require dedicated sources of water that will provide them with the necessary amount of water. We suggest utilizing 2-3 gallon per minute bubblers on both sides of the root ball. Larger trees will require more bubblers. Keep in mind though that palm trees don’t like “soggy feet.” Only plant them in well-drained areas.

What do I do if my palm shows shock signs?
Check the amount of water the tree is getting. Trim any dead fronds you find. Add a fungicide drench to the root ball and head. And then apply a slow-release palm fertilizer. Repeat this process if necessary six weeks later.

How deep should palm trees be planted?
Make sure you are planting them in well-drained soil and then do so above grade (though there are some exceptions; check with Palmco’ experts first). Keep in mind that palm trees should never be planted in areas with poor drainage.

Palm Trees We Love

Now that you have some much-needed advice on the care of your clients’ palm trees, we’d like to share with you a couple of the palm trees we love:

Bottle (Hyophorbe lagenicaulis)
These grow best in USDA zones 10B-11. They are originally from the Mascarenes and are moderately drought- and salt-tolerant. Because they are relatively small, only growing to 12 feet in height, they make exceptional accent pieces. The swollen trunk, where water is stored, is extremely eye-catching.

Fishtail (Caryota mitis)
Hailing from Southeast Asia, this palm does best in USDA zones 10A-11. It is a clumping palm and can grow to 20 feet tall. Uniquely, these palms are great for indoor and atrium environments. The Fishtail palms at Palmco can be grown with up to 9 heads, unlike many other nurseries where you will only find them with 3 or less. They are attention-getting and work well as standalones or for screening purposes.

Now that you know the answer to your client’s “can you over water a palm tree?” question, we hope you’ll continue to seek advice and service from Palmco. We can be reached at (239) 283 1329.