These are so Overkill it’s not Even a Great Choice

[Xerarch]

So these Trachys were recently planted at the site of a public pool-water park that’s currently under construction. There are a lot of them, and they’re big. I can’t believe the city went with Trachycarpus. What I imagine happening is that somebody is in full panic mode over 2021 and demanded whatever is the most cold hardy (trunking) palm. Well….they got it, and I don’t have anything against Windmill palm, but this isn’t the climate where they look their best, especially not in full blazing sun like that. I expect they’ll survive just fine, it’s not sand in that location so I don’t think nematodes will be a problem. But they’ll never have the full, beautiful, large crown they deserve. Especially in full sun and on the cities (non) watering schedule. You know what does look it’s best here? And is invulnerable to cold? And heat? Sabal mexicana is native and invincible here. It’s used quite a bit around town, so it isn’t an uncommon choice.  Just say’n that if the city was looking for something invincible, that would have been a better choice, along with quite a few other things. Anyway……..

[Fusca]

I agree - not a good choice for that location.  I hate to think what they'll look like in late September after limited irrigation. 

[Jim in Los Altos]

Why do so many of them have leaning crowns? Not a good sign I would guess. 

[Kim]

Looks like the city found some "bargain-priced mature palms" and ran with it. From the appearance in the photos, you won't have to look at them for long.

[Fusca]

  On 4/8/2025 at 1:07 AM, Jim in Los Altos said:

Why do so many of them have leaning crowns? Not a good sign I would guess. 

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It's incredibly windy in Corpus Christi - even more so than Chicago "The Windy City"!

[Harry’s Palms]

Those are some very old Trachy’s . They would look good in a cool , coastal climate . Harry

[ChrisA]

Would’ve gotten a hell of a lot more shade from the sabal mexicanas as well.  I love Trachycarpus but in that setting it doesn’t excite me. Even if those did look healthy once settled in aesthetically they’re useless. They are absolutely dwarfed by all that openness. More tax dollars poorly spent.

[SeanK]

Seems like 4 strategically-placed CIDP would have been a better choice.

[meridannight]

I don't see a single advantage to planting these. They're not aesthetic nor do they or will provide any shade whatsoever. 

[Xerarch]

  On 4/9/2025 at 1:22 PM, meridannight said:

I don't see a single advantage to planting these. They're not aesthetic nor do they or will provide any shade whatsoever. 

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Literally any common palm around town would have been a better choice. Phoenix, Washingtonia, Sabal, Syagrus, whatever. If it were me, I would have loved to see Mules in those spots. 

[Xenon]

Is this real life? 🤣

But it's ok Florida did the same thing

[ahosey01]

There is a beautiful Trachy in full shade on the north side of La Posada hotel in Laredo.  Hot as they get down there, and it looks fantastic!

This.... is not that. lol

[TropicsEnjoyer]

These are about as good as telephone poles scattered around the place. Absolutely terrible choice, might aswell do desert landscape 😂.

[Xerarch]

  On 4/9/2025 at 9:40 PM, Xenon said:

Is this real life? 🤣

But it's ok Florida did the same thing

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Probably an even worse choice in Floriduh with the sandy soils. 

[Xerarch]

  On 4/9/2025 at 10:01 PM, ahosey01 said:

There is a beautiful Trachy in full shade on the north side of La Posada hotel in Laredo.  Hot as they get down there, and it looks fantastic!

This.... is not that. lol

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They can live here long term, there are a number of them around town, I found this one a few weeks back, quite old, full sun. Doing fine, just doesn’t look its’ best, small crown.