Windmill Palm Tree Trachycarpus fortunei

1. Planting: Choose a spot that will offer your Windmill Palm Tree partial sunlight. Direct sunlight is fine, but partial is optimal because it will enable soil to maintain adequate moisture to promote better growth (4 to 6 hours of sunlight per day). The chosen location should also provide sufficient protection against cold winds. Make sure the soil in the planting area drains well.

When you're ready to plant, dig the hole wide enough so that it can encompass the entire root spread without bending any of the roots. Add some extra width to the hole to enable the tree to grow more easily, breaking away any compacted soil on the sides.

Gently place the tree in the center of the hole, maintaining an upright position while carefully spreading the roots. Begin filling in the hole with soil covering the roots. Lightly tamp down the soil then water the area to help the soil settle around the roots. Add more soil as necessary, repeating the process of patting it down slightly and watering to help the soil settle and fill any air holes that may have formed.

2. Watering: Water your Windmill Palm every other day for the first three months, then once a week for the remainder of the first year after planting. Watering after the first year depends upon the moisture retention in the planting area. Make sure the soil remains moist but not soggy. Warm summers may require more frequent watering, sometimes as much as twice weekly. It’s best to monitor the watering requirements during hot, dry periods.

3. Fertilizing: Windmill Palms require soil rich in nutrients. If necessary, apply a slow-release, palm specific fertilizer (granule form or spikes) in the spring, summer and fall.

4. Pruning: Palms do not need much pruning, except to remove damaged fronds. Always remove any damaged fronds by pruning them off with a sharp pair of sterilized pruners.