Washington palm trees (Washingtonia robusta), also commonly referred to as the Mexican fan palms, are popular, inexpensive trees frequently grown in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11. This palm variety is frequently planted in groupings or in a line along driveways or roads. Washington palms grow in full sun, are salt tolerant and reach heights of up to 100 feet. Small specimens can be planted in containers and used to accent patios or entryways, but eventually these looming giants will need to be moved outdoors and planted directly in the ground. Be aware the growth pattern of this palm tree results in bunches of dead leaves hanging under the crown in a way that resembles a hula skirt. These dead leaf bunches are a fire hazard and may house rats and other rodents. As a result, some municipalities require Washington palm owners to remove them from the tree, which may require a professional as the tree grows taller.
Dig a new planting hole that is twice the diameter of the palm’s root ball. Make the hole deep enough that the palm will be planted at the same depth it was at the previous planting site. Container grown palms may need to be planted more deeply than they were in their container due to settling of the planting medium. The portion of the tree between the trunk and the roots, known as the root-shoot interface, should sit 1 inch below the surface of the soil after planting.
Stand the palm tree in the hole and backfill the planting hole. Tamp the soil down as you go to remove any air pockets. Make a small mound or berm of dirt at the edge of the root ball to hold water during irrigation.
Water the newly planted tree deeply, thoroughly wetting the soil. Fill the berm you made around the hole two or three times to ensure that the soil is completely settled. Keep the soil around the root ball moist but never wet or soggy for the first four to six months after planting while the palm is establishing itself. This typically requires rain or irrigation about every other day but may vary with weather conditions and soil type. The Washington palm is very drought tolerant and will need to be watered only occasionally if at all after this initial establishment period.
Fertilize your tree lightly with a slow-release, granular palm tree fertilizer three or four months after replanting. When new leaves appear on the plant, you will know that it has successfully established itself in the new location and you can resume your normal fertilization schedule.
Things You Will Need
- Granular palm tree fertilizer
- Transplant palms in the spring to give them adequate time to reestablish themselves before cooler winter weather.
- Avoid planting palms in poorly drained areas or where the water table is high.
- Do not trim the palm tree’s roots, even if the plant was container bound. This is different from traditional tree planting.
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