Cold Hardy Palm Trees of the Same Species may have
Different Reactions to Winter Weather
Not all cold weather (cold hardy)
palm trees are equal. Growers and nurseries occasionally have different
experiences with the same species of palm tree after a cold winter
spell. The reasons for the varying effects on the hardy palms involves
the type of the cold spell and the environment the cold hardy palm
tree is planted in. Hopefully the palm care includes planting the
palm in a location with some degree of protection. Surprisingly
a gradually cooling winter which would seem to give palms an opportunity
to acclimate. But not so according to Goldstein (1989), who found
that a sudden cold frost or freeze was far less devastating than
an extended cold spell where temperatures never dropped to freezing.
The length of time and depth of a hard freeze, wind speed, and
ambient humidity can also influence how destructive a cold spell
might be to a cold hardy Palm tree. That is why some cold hardy
palms can sustain temperatures with little or no damage at one
time, but die at the very same temperature at another (Smith 1958,
1964).
Cold Hardy Palm Tree Care
Microclimates and conditions affecting
palm trees can determine if a garden or landscape hardy palm will
survive. Palm trees sheltered by other trees and shrubs are more
likely to fair better than Palm trees that are exposed to the full
brunt of the winter cold. How successfully a cold hardy palm will
handle cold is determined by the palm itself: its age, its height,
its slight hereditary differences selected out over time by the
conditions of its natural environment, and the overall health of
the cold hardy palm trees at the time of the cold spell.
Refer to Palm
Trees Frequently Asked Questions for more information
on cold hardy palm trees.
Cold weather slows the growth
of palm trees, reduces activity of the roots, and can weaken the
plant to the point where a disease can become active and kill
the palm tree. Sometimes, the only above-ground portion of a cold-damaged
palm tree that is still alive is the protected bud. In most cases,
the death of the bud soon after a freeze is due to bacteria that
is present at low levels of a healthy palm tree, but becomes a
problem only after the freeze damage.
Cold Hardy Palm Trees Species Winter protection
Cold hardy palm trees can be assisted
during very cold winter weather. First, plant your cold hardy palm
trees in a warm, sunny spot protected
from winter winds, especially winds from the north
and west. During cold snaps you can protect your cold
hardy palm trees through wrapping the trunk. A cardboard box or
a blanket placed on top of a small palm, and weighted down with
rocks, can provide adequate shelter for most cold hardy palm trees
species. The protective cover should be removed after four or five
days. Another method to protect your cold hardy palm tree is to
temporarily bury it under a mound of mulch. Most of the mulch should
be removed once the weather warms up.
Cold Hardy Palm Trees Problems that can be Caused by Cold Winter
Weather Snaps
- Cold Hardy Palm Trees growth rates decrease
during severe cold winters
- Cold Hardy rootball development slows down
- extreme cold temperatures could weaken Palm
Trees immune system and they become a more likely candidate for
diseases and bugs to disease and insect
Cold Hardy Palm Trees - Resources for Growing Cold
Tolerant Palm Trees species in Colder Climates
Cold Hardy Palm trees additional
information:
The
Hardiest Palms - excellent site from TJ Walters with information
on planting, growing and caring for cold hardy palm trees.
Cool
Tropics - Site is packed full of information on pre-planting
preparations, planting, growing and protecting your hardy Palm
Trees.
The
Palm Reader - About selecting and growing cold hardy palms
outdoors in the southeastern United States. USDA Hardiness Zones
7-8.
Just remember, cold hardy palm
trees will grow in the North if you take the right protective measures.
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