Can Palm Trees Grow in North Texas?

Date December 15, 2022

Author TreeNewal Staff

If you’ve ever wondered if palm trees can grow in North Texas, this blog is for you. While some varieties of palm trees can thrive in our climate, choosing the right one is essential. In this blog post, we’ll explore the best palm trees for North Texas landscapes and offer tips on caring for them. We’ll also discuss the challenges of growing palm trees in our region so you can make an informed decision when adding a touch of the tropics to your yard!

Can You Grow Palm Trees in North Texas? 

With over 2,500 varieties, palm trees vary drastically in hardiness, size, and form. Since North Texas is in the same USDA plant hardiness zone as the Florida panhandle, many homeowners assume palm trees that grow there can grow here. While palm trees generally don’t have trouble with our hot, humid summers, the crux of the problem lies in the differences in winter weather.

Hard freezes can take quite a hit on palm trees and even be fatal. However, with careful consideration, planning, and protection, you can ensure your palm tree has the best chance of success.

Best Palm Trees for North Texas 

Choosing a cold, hardy palm tree variety for planting in North Texas is critical. Since palms are most common in mild, temperate regions, an unexpected freeze can take a massive hit on Texas palm tree growth and health. In addition, if palm trees are planted outside their growing zone, they’ll be even more vulnerable to winter damage. TreeNewal’s palm tree care specialists recommend these top choices for planting palm trees in North Texas.

  • Pindo, wine, or jelly palm
  • Needle palm
  • Texas sabal palm
  • Windmill palm

While these varieties may not be the fastest growing palm trees, they are selected based on their tolerance for cold, heat, sun, and shade. South Texas palms can be found in North Texas nurseries, and many of these varieties can grow two to three times faster than the options we listed above. Some homeowners are led to believe they’re getting a big tree for less cost. However, this will most likely lead to a wasted investment as fast growing palm trees may not survive a single season in DFW.

Palm Tree Care 

Like most plants, preparation before planting makes all the difference. Palm trees need moderate soil moisture to stay healthy and require significant amounts of specific micronutrients to remain in good shape. Therefore, a regular tree fertilization schedule is paramount to palm tree growth.

For the best tree fertilization services in DFW, call (817) 592-6846. A TreeNewal ISA Certified Arborist can assess your property’s soil and growing conditions and advise on whether a palm tree can thrive in your yard. They can also help you develop a palm tree maintenance plan and formulate custom fertilizer blends tailored to the unique needs of your plants.

Palm Tree Problems 

Growing and maintaining palm trees in DFW comes with unique challenges. They are susceptible to certain wilt diseases, mites, and weevils, but the top reason North Texas palm trees decline and die is due to our regional winters.

Unlike hardwood trees that grow from multiple spots, palm trees only grow new leaves from the crown, which is at the center of the tree canopy. If this spot is hit with harsh cold or freezes, the damage affects all the future palm leaves stemming from the source. Even the most cold-hardy palm trees can suffer from a hard freeze. It’s important to always err on the side of caution and protect palm trees whenever severe winter weather is on the horizon. When deciding whether to plant palm trees on your property, it’s crucial to understand their potential issues and commit to providing them with professional tree care services.

How to Protect Palms from Freeze 

Harsh winter weather can be challenging for these tropical trees. North Texas palms have a much better chance of surviving freezing temperatures with a proper palm freeze protection plan. Prevention is always easier and more cost-effective than treatment, and once your palm tree’s crownhas been frozen, it might already be too late. Luckily, there are a few tips on how to give them the best chance of survival.

  • only plant palms that are well-suited to your area
  • If freezing weather is forecasted, carefully cover short palm trees with a breathable blanket or sheet.
  • For taller palm trees, contact an ISA Certified Arborist at (817) 592-6846 to help you wrap the fronds together and protect the crown.
  • Remove the covering and unwrap the fronds after the threat of freezing weather has passed.
  • Water your palm tree deeply and refresh your mulch before freezing weather.

Ensuring your palm tree is healthy, and well-maintained year-round with a proper fertilization schedule will give it the nutrients to support cold tolerance by improving its vitality.

Dallas Tree Care Services 

As a full-service tree care company, TreeNewal offers sustainable plant health services to residential and commercial property owners in Dallas, Fort Worth, Argyle, Denton, Flower Mound, Westlake, and Southlake. We are committed to protecting customer investments and promoting North Texas tree health and sustainability. Our ISA Certified Arborist can come to your property and offer advice on whether a palm tree can thrive in your growing conditions. Our Dallas tree care specialists can also provide comprehensive maintenance and tree fertilization plans to keep your trees healthy and develop their resistance to environmental stressors. Call (817) 592-6846 to learn more about how we can improve your landscape!