Palm Tree Types

Two Main Palm Tree Types

There are basically two main types of palm trees. Each has characteristics that make it obviously different from the others. This is most obvious when you look at different pictures of types of palm trees. However, even though they look different, most require the same basic care.

Palmate

Palmate palm trees are noted for having fan-like leaves. Some describe them as looking like fingers around the palm of a hand—hence the name. Here are a few examples of palmate palm trees:

• Australian fan palm (Livistonia australis): Reaching up to 80 feet high, this palm is commonly used as roadside specimens.
• Cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto): Also reaching heights of 80 to even 90 feet, this adaptable tree is the state tree of Florida.
• Washington palm (Washingonia spp.): This tree gets from 50 to 80 feet tall and can adapt to moist and dry soils.
• Florida silver palm (Coccothrinax argentata): A smaller ornamental, this palm gets to be about 25 feet tall and is lovely all over the landscape.
• 'Jamaica thatch palm (Thrinax parviflora): This is a small ornamental that is around 10 feet tall but can reach up to 30 feet. A nice patio palm, it tolerates less than ideal growing conditions.

Pinnate

Pinnate palm trees have fronds that resemble feathers. There is a center stem with many smaller leaves growing out from it. Some examples of pinnate palms include:

• Royal palm (Roystonea spp.): Very majestic, ornate palm that can reach up to 100 feet.
• Cuban acrocomia (Acrocomia armentalis): Reaching 50 feet tall, this palm has a thorny trunk and grows in sandy soils.
• Cane palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens): This palm can get up to 20 feet but can be grown indoors or outdoors.
• MacArthur cluster palm (Ptychosperma macarthuri): An adaptable palm that grows well in clusters, this palm can reach 25 to 30 feet.
• Butia palm (Butia spp.): A small, slow growing palm, this adaptable palm reaches 10 to 20 feet.

Pruning Palm Trees

Many people make the mistake of over-pruning their palm trees. Palm tree care isn't difficult, but over-pruning not only makes a palm tree unattractive, it can also do damage to the tree.

Many, but not all, palm trees are self-pruning. This means that as the fronds die they will fall off on their own. Often though, homeowners prefer to cut these branches before they fall and do damage or clutter up the yard with debris. Removing these branches before they are ready to drop can deprive the tree of important nutrients.

Never cut branches that are still green. Green leaves are what produce food for a tree; cutting them can slow growth and attract insects. If you must prune green leaves, imagine an imaginary line across the bottom of the canopy. Only prune leaves that drop below that imaginary line.

If you have a coconut palm, you should consider removing the coconuts before they fall to the ground. A falling coconut can kill someone if they get hit in the head.

Palm Problems

While palm trees make an amazing addition to the landscape, you should be aware that they can have problems as well. Some species of palm are susceptible to diseases, such as Lethal Yellowing, that cannot be treated. The best course of action is to avoid using disease prone varieties in your landscape. If you insist on using a palm that is susceptible to disease, you are likely to need to remove it in the future.

Some palms also tend to attract certain pests, such as the Royal palm bug or the red palm mite. Contact your local Extension office to see what pests and diseases are common in your area as well as to find out which palm tree types are susceptible, before selecting a palm tree for your landscape.