Palms provide feel of the tropics to the Valley

Friday, May 23rd, 2014 Issue 21, Volume 18.

INLAND EMPIRE Palm trees survive well in the Valley and can be found lining majestic driveways as well as providing a tropical, ornamental touch to a front or back yard landscape.

One of the greatest benefits of a palm tree is that it does not lose it leaves all at once and can provide instant beautification to just about any spot in a landscape. Most importantly, palm trees are low maintenance plants. They run a close second to conifers in the level of attention they require beyond the basics. And, to top it off, theyre fairly easy to plant, too.

Let there be light

All plants have preferences when it comes to light. Some like full sun, while others prefer shade. Palm trees are no different. Its important to research the type of palm one is planting; otherwise, the results may be less than satisfactory. Fortunately, there are more varieties of palms than one can shake a frond at they vary in size from small (10 to 20 feet for a Windmill Palm) to very large (the 50 foot tall, aptly-named Queen Palm).

Planting a shade-loving palm in full sun produces a burnt and eventually dead tree; while planting a sun-loving palm in the shade gives you a weaker tree with a thicker trunk and stretched-out leaves.

The highs and lows of temperature

Another concern people have with the tropical-appearing palm is temperature. Actually, palm trees grow in almost all climate zones, depending on the type of palm. As with light, good research into temperature needs or better yet, asking an expert is crucial to having a healthy, happy palm tree.

Soil

Most palms fare pretty well in both soil types, acid or alkaline. There are a few that are more particular in their needs. The Queen Palm, for instance, prefers acidic soil. However, with the amazing variety from which to choose, it should be no problem selecting the perfect tree ones soil type. One piece of advice for all palms: the soil must have good drainage. Using a soil amendment such as Kellogg Palm and Cactus Mix when planting in pots or mix with the native soil when planting the ground will help give the new palms good drainage.

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Palms provide feel of the tropics to the Valley