How to Transplant a Palm Tree

Even a novice landscaper can transplant a palm tree in his own garden using manpower alone. The best time to transplant a palm tree is during the spring and early summer when soil temperatures are on the rise. Most palm tree types have reduced root function at soil temperatures below 65 degrees F. The higher amounts of rainfall during spring and summer is another favorable advantage when you transplant a palm tree.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Shovels
• Heavy duty garden sheers
• Wheelbarrow
• Top soil
• Garden Hose

1. Identify the palm tree type to be transplanted and it's new location. Transplant a palm tree 15 feet or less, gather the necessary tools and enlist the help of two to three assistants who are able to lift and carry at least 50 pounds.

2. Dig around the palm approximately 2 ½ feet deep all the while severing any roots that grow beyond that point using heavy duty gardening sheers. Cut the palm tree's roots to form a ball 2 feet in diameter.

3. Lift and remove the tree and roots and place it on a tarp until it's new hole is ready. Put the tree into a wheelbarrow for transport.

4. Dig a hole at the new location with a similar width to the hole the tree was removed from and approximately 2 ½ feet deep.

5. Place and hold the tree and roots into the new hole upright while another person packs it in with soil. Add top soil around any gaps.

6. Use a hose with slow trickle of water to harden the soil around the base of the palm tree's trunk adding soil if needed.

Tips & Warnings

• Irrigation after transplanting is very important. The best system is to allow a slow trickle of water from a garden hose at the base of the tree trunk for one hour every two to three days depending on rainfall. Do this for the month following the transplant.
• Be sure to contact the local utility companies for power line placements before digging into the ground.