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Joe White: For that tropical look, plant a palm

Joe W. White
Special to The Times

As Southerners, a large number of us enjoy spending lots of time outdoors during our long, warm-to-hot summer seasons.

Because of this we often become more aware of our landscapes and the plants they contain. And certainly all of us have our own preferences.

While it’s common to include mostly the well-adapted temperate zone species of trees and shrubs in our local landscapes, some homeowners prefer something a bit different.

One way to achieve this is to mix into the landscape among the temperate zone plants a few sub-tropical species, such as selected varieties of palm trees. Since our location is primarily in climatic zone 8, it’s very difficult to plant truly tropical plants and expect any degree of success. So, for that coveted look of belonging in the South, consider planting one of the hardier palms.

Unlike the majority of our trees and shrubs that are ideally planted in the cool months from November to March, palm trees are best planted during the hot months of summer with the early part of that period being probably the best time.

 Although woody, palm trees have a fibrous trunk that differs in structure from other trees. With oaks, maples, elms, etc. we are able to prune to alter various types of growth, limit plant size, adjust form and make other desired changes with the knowledge the wounds made will heal and the plant will fully recover.

Because palm trees have a single point of growth at their very top, it is extremely important to avoid any kind of injury when hauling and planting them. This is radically different from other shade trees that have many points of growth, both laterally and vertically, that allows them to recover from most types of injury. If the top of a palm (its only point of growth) is ever damaged by freezes or insects or destroyed by tools or machines, there is no saving it. Rather, if the weather is still warm, it should be replaced as soon as possible.

Now a bit more about planting palms. The warm soils of the summer season plus the high air temperatures clearly favor rapid root development.

This is important because palm roots when cut off or damaged will cease to function. So fast replacement with new roots is necessary if the plant is to survive.

Should you buy a container grown palm, great care is needed when handling the plant to avoid any root damage even if is necessary to destroy the container while extracting the plant. If you have recently planted a palm tree and no signs of growth are seen by mid-summer, you probably should go ahead and replace that plant.

So what palms do I think are the best choices for north Louisiana? My picks (in the order of climate hardiness) are:

-- Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei)

-- Cocos or Jelly Palm (Butia capitate or Butia australis)

-- Mediterranean Fan Palm (Chamaerops humilius)
