Windmill Palm Tree

The Windmill palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) is the answer for those looking for a touch of the tropical look but live in a far colder area than most tropicals can survive. Commonly grown in USDA growing zones 7-11 the windmill palm is a drought tolerant, full to partial sun lover that can grow up to 30 feet and a width of 6-10 feet wide. However, it is more commonly found at heights of 10 to 20 feet. They're quite tolerant of pollution making them popular to accent along streets and good for urban areas. Windmill palms are also highly disease and pest resistant. They can be successfully container grown as well but will need periodic re-potting to ensure they do not become root bound.

Selecting a location: Choose a spot that will offer your Windmill Palm partial sunlight. Direct sunlight is okay, but partial is optimal because it will enable soil to maintain adequate moisture to promote better growth. The chosen location should also provide sufficient protection against cold winds. Make sure the soil in the planting area drains well.

Planting directions (in ground):
1) Visually inspect the roots of the tree then 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. The hole should be deep enough to accommodate the entire root system.
2) Gently place the tree in the center of the hole, maintaining an upright position while carefully spreading the roots.
3)A mix of 20% sand 80% dirt will give the Windmill Palm the planting conditions closest to its native environment. 
4) 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.
5) 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. Fill in up to the ground level.

Planting directions (potted): 
1) Select a pot 2 times larger than the pot the tree initially came in. This will allow the roots to spread out a bit.
2) Situate the palm into the pot and fill in with a well draining potting medium.
3) Tamp down the soil as you back fill to prevent air pockets from forming.
4) Place the tree next to bright window where it will get the appropriate sun exposure needed. 
5) Provide water when the top two inches of the potting soil has dried slightly.

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. A constant source of water is imperative to ensure the required nourishment for healthy frond growth, to battle stress common among newly planted trees and to promote a strong root system. 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.

Pruning: Palms do not need much pruning except to remove damaged fronds. Be careful not to pull off dead or damaged frond as that can leave a wound behind. Always remove any damaged fronds by pruning them off with a sharp pair of sterilized pruners.

Fertilizing: Windmill palm trees require soil rich in nutrients. If necessary, apply a slow-release, palm specific fertilizer (granule form or spikes) in the spring, summer and fall. If leaf blades become yellow it’s a sign that nutrients such as magnesium are depleted and fertilizer should be applied.

Mulch: Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around the base of the tree to act as a protective barrier from weeds and insulate during colder months. Adding mulch will also help maintain moisture to reduce watering needs. You can apply Cypress Mulch or Pine Straw and add as necessary as it decomposes.