Winter Care for your Palm

The colder weather is finally here!  It's time to start thinking about preparing and protecting palms when severe temperatures arrive - or worse yet - SNOW!  With these freezing temperatures heading your way is when your palm trees will require extra attention. The percentage of your palm tree surviving colder temperatures is determined by the palm tree itself. The type of palm tree you have is key to the cold tolerance it can handle with out damage. The age, height and environment the palm tree was grown in and overall health are all factors as well.

Below are some suggestions to help protect palms against frost damage.

1.  Make sure palm is HYDRATED!  Water the ground around the palm early enough that it has time to soak up the water prior to a freeze.  DO NOT keep the foliage wet.

2.  To help reduce leaf burn during a frost or wind event, try wrapping the head of the palm with frost cloth or a sheet.  If using a regular sheet or netting, you can also add a low-watt light (a string of holiday lights are a good suggestion) under the sheet - USE EXTREME CAUTION TO SET IT UP SO IT WILL NOT SET ANYTHING ON FIRE OR BECOME AN ELECTRICAL HAZARD !!!!!!

3.  If you are unable to cover your palm and there is snow, be sure to get the snow off the foliage immediately.

4.  Don't forget the mulch!  Mulching your palm tree with 3"- 6" of mulch will help protect the fine tender feeder roots which are close to the surface from freezing.   It will also retain moisture and warmth for the palm tree reducing the need for watering.