Palm staking in California

[Megan Richards]

Does anyone know of any literature or research with discussion of or recommendations for bracing large palm trees when transplanting in California / western states?  

[Tracy]

1 hour ago, Megan Richards said:

Does anyone know of any literature or research with discussion of or recommendations for bracing large palm trees when transplanting in California / western states?  

Welcome to the forum Megan.  I can't say that I am aware of any literature on the topic of bracing large palm trees, however if you elaborate on species, size and preferably have any photos of the specimen(s) I'm sure that some people on the forum may be able to provide some recommendations based on their own experiences.  I have used large stakes driven into the ground and then tape or other material to brace some newly planted palms from 1 gallon to 15 gallon size palms.  For 15 gallon size plants that are top heavy due to growing in a greenhouse, I've used 3-4 5' long stakes driven into the ground 3' leaving 2' exposed.  I then do a wrapping pattern with just green garden tape for something that size, looping around the stakes and the trunk to brace it.  I also have extremely sandy light soil while amending have mixed some dg (decomposed granite) in with organics to amend the soil.  The intent is to make the soil heavier and hold the rootball down but that is only because my soil is so light and loose.  The previous owner of my house had planted over 50 queen palms and had problems with some falling over because they had not rooted in well to the sandy soil.  The larger older ones rooted in, but the midsize ones which had been planted large but didn't have time to develop substantial roots were particularly at risk of falling in wind during wet storms.  I removed all of those queen palms some myself, so I had an opportunity to see how well their efforts at staking worked. They used typical 9-10' long treated wood tree stakes on some of the smaller ones to support them but they used a light 1/4" rope inserted into small sections of cutoff hose.  The stakes were driven down about 4' leaving about 5-6' above ground.  The hose would then be used against the trees trunk so the rope wouldn't etch into the palm's trunk.  They used that on some queen's that had overall plant height might be 12'-14'.  I hope that gives you a starting point on thinking about it and sharing more on the specifics of what your need is.

[Megan Richards]

Thanks Tracy,

I should have been more specific.  I specify palms for large landscape projects, so we're typically talking about large specimens being installed by crane.  Lately we've used some Phoenix dactylifera, 20' bare trunk height.   I'm aware of various bracing methods, and have most commonly seen 3 to 4 2x4s at angles to the stem, with the stem protected by a burlap and 2x4  trunk wrap.  My interest is in if bracing is standard or necessary in areas that don't receive hurricane force winds.  

[Jim in Los Altos]

I've had a number of very large specimen palms transplanted from one property to another. The largest were 35 foot tall Phoenix canariensis with 20 feet of clear trunk. No bracing was necessary. The root balls were 6'x6'x4' deep. Did the same with a grove of Queen palms some of which were 40' or more in height and had small root balls at 3'x3'x3'. None were staked and all established without a glitch. A caution would be needed if planted in autumn before California's wet sometimes windy winter weather. I also moved several tall mature Archontophoenix and planted without any staking at all and they all made it through winter in perfect condition. 

[Jim in Los Altos]

11 minutes ago, Jim in Los Altos said:

I've had a number of very large specimen palms transplanted from one property to another. The largest were 35 foot tall Phoenix canariensis with 20 feet of clear trunk. No bracing was necessary. The root balls were 6'x6'x4' deep. Did the same with a grove of Queen palms some of which were 40' or more in height and had small root balls at 3'x3'x3'. None were staked and all established without a glitch. A caution would be needed if planted in autumn before California's wet sometimes windy winter weather. I also moved several tall mature Archontophoenix and planted without any staking at all and they all made it through winter in perfect condition.