Facts About Cold Weather Palm Trees

Cold weather palm trees can survive in many North American climates with the proper care.

Cold weather or cold-hardy palm trees vary in their ability to withstand cold temperatures. Many cold-hardy varieties can withstand temperatures as low as 15 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but freeze to death at 10 degrees. Other varieties, like the Mediterranean fan palms, can survive down to -15 degrees.

Effects of Cold on Palm Trees

Cold weather slows the overall growth of palm trees. It weakens the root systems and can leave the trees open to infection from bacteria and insects, according to the website Jungle Music.

Varieties

Cold-hardy palm tree varieties include: true date, Canary Island date, Texas sabal, Mediterranean fan, California fan, windmill fan, pindo, Mexican fan and queen. According to the website Sun Palm Trees, with proper cold-weather protection, even less hardy varieties can survive harsh winters.

Cold Weather Protection

The first step in protecting your palm tree is to plant it in a location that is protected from direct wind, according to Sun Palm Trees. When the weather is especially cold, you can protect your palm tree by wrapping the trunk with a blanket or cardboard. Smaller trees can be temporarily buried under mulch for protection.

Microclimates

Microclimates are the changes in temperature within a small geographic area due to landscape, proximity to cities and shade. A tree canopy can keep a garden several degrees warmer than the surrounding area, according to Jungle Music. Rock outcroppings hold the heat of the sun through the night, and can also keep a garden, or a tree, warmer. Living close to a large city typically results in higher temperatures, as does living in a protected valley. Trees that get morning sun will recover faster from a cold night.

Acclimating Palms

Many cold-hardy palms require slow acclimation when you transplant them to a cold climate. Shocking them with cold can kill the plant, according to the website Tree Help. This is especially true for palms that were raised from saplings in a greenhouse where they did not experience large changes in temperature. Wrapping the trunks of cold-hardy palms and keeping them in a location protected from the wind can help you acclimate your plant. If the weather is very cold to begin with, keeping cold-hardy palms indoors until the weather warms slightly, and only then transplanting them outside, will help them gradually adjust to colder weather with the change of the season.

References

• Jungle Music: Cold Hardy Palms
• Sun Palm Trees: Cold Hardy Palm Trees Species
• Tree Help: Palm Trees

Resources

• Chilly Palm Tree: Growers of Cold Hardy Palms