Areca Palms Possibly Planted Too Close to Fence

[ERock82]

My 3 areca palms and two White Birds of Paradise plants were planted a few months ago.  I recently had a fence installed and feel like they may be too close to it. All 5 plants are 18 inches from the 6 ft fence. Should I dig them up and move them further away or will they be okay years from now? Thanks

[idontknowhatnametuse]

Areca palms are normally planted in front of walls so it doesn't look sad or boring, they'll grow fine I guess. Do you have any photos by the way?

[ERock82]

Here's a pic. I'm concerned that when it gets full grown, the palm stalks on the fence side will push into the fence and damage it or cause me to have to cut them off.

[Looking Glass]

It’s a risk over time.  My back neighbor had a PVC fence installed.  White birds were planted in front of it.  Over a few years they got quite big.  Pups started popping up on my side under my separate wood fence, and the clumps started pushing against their fence and bowing it out.  They removed them this year.  I sprayed the pups on my side to kill them.  

[ck_in_fla]

It would be helpful to know where you are located...

[Johnny Palmseed]

They are pretty close and will definitely push into the fence over time. The biggest problem will be that the lack of sun and air movement will algae up the fence. It will tend to harbor more bugs and be difficult to clean. You will find yourself cutting the section closest to the fence to keep it separated. I would move them now before it gets difficult.

[ERock82]

Thanks Johnny. How far back should I move them?

[Johnny Palmseed]

That depends on how much pruning you will want to do in the future. I have seen these grow into huge clumps with a radius of several feet. I have also seen them maintained into a small cluster. If you keep them trimmed to the current width, you could leave them where they are. You should envision how large you would like the clump to be and them make a circle in the bed that corresponds to that size. Leave adequate space on the fence side and replant in the center. I would also recommend clearing out the weeds around the palms.

[ERock82]

51 minutes ago, Johnny Palmseed said:

That depends on how much pruning you will want to do in the future. I have seen these grow into huge clumps with a radius of several feet. I have also seen them maintained into a small cluster. If you keep them trimmed to the current width, you could leave them where they are. You should envision how large you would like the clump to be and them make a circle in the bed that corresponds to that size. Leave adequate space on the fence side and replant in the center. I would also recommend clearing out the weeds around the palms.

Thanks Johnny. I am thinking of doubling the distance so it is 3 ft from the fence at the back of the cluster at current size. Does that sound sufficient?

[Johnny Palmseed]

That will certainly give you a lot more room for growth. Again, it’s your preference for the future. It’s typical for people to regret planting things too close together or to something else. You have the opportunity to correct that now before they get too big.

[Willowst]

While plants may seem close to the fence now, it's important to consider their growth over the years. Areca palms and White Birds of Paradise can become quite tall and wide with time.

[happypalms]

One mistake made is that you purchased up to a dozen plants in pots therefore a dozen mother plants in the years to come means more of problem along with the fence they are to close the white bird of paradise grows into a monster of a plant I have 5 acres and removed my ones for two reasons becoming to large in the garden and they  put seedlings out all over the place becoming a weed in my sandy soil they do make a great indoor patio plant 

[Willowst]

On 1/26/2024 at 1:58 AM, Willowst said:

While plants may seem close to the fence now, it's important to consider their growth over the years. Areca palms and White Birds of Paradise can become quite tall and wide with time.

To ensure their long-term health and to prevent potential issues with the fence, it might be a good idea to transplant them further away. It might be a bit of work now, but it could save you from more significant problems down the road.

By the way, I'm thinking about some home renovations, and I'm considering getting Privacy Vinyl fencing. It offers a clean and durable look for your property, which might complement your landscaping plans.

Edited January 27, 2024 by Willowst

[Bkue]

You are fine. Yes they will be in contact. No, they won’t trash the fence.