transplanting a palm tree

[kalakoa]

I have a couple that are maybe 6' tall, if I want (need) to move them, how much of the root system has to stay intact for the tree to survive? Any other tips/tricks? I would rather not "just cut them down" if it can be avoided, but they're not really in "dirt" that can be dug out...

thx

[Hotzcatz]

Folks that move coconut palms around take a fairly significant sized root ball when they move them, but those are usually much bigger trees. If you can get the roots for 12" - 16" all the way around, I'd think the tree had a good chance of surviving, but I'm not a tree nor palm expert.

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"I like yard sales," he said. "All true survivalists like yard sales."
Kurt Wilson

[kalakoa]

Thanks -- one of them is in ripped pahoehoe, should be possible to get enough roots...

[Rene Siracusa]

I do not believe that palms have spreading roots, but rather a root ball that is fairly compact. If I were wanting to dig up and move a sizable palm, I would dig and prepare the new hole first and plant asap. As with most trees, I would make sure there is some soil or cinder in the bottom of the hole, water, place palm and backfill. If your palm is in a windy area or top-heavy, I would suggest crutches or guy-lines to secure it until it is established.

[Justin]

What type of palm? Coconut or something else? Some palms transplant very well, others simply cannot be transplanted no matter what.