Limiting Growth
Many types of palm trees grow quite tall and wide, but it is possible to keep them small. If properly taken care of, a palm tree can stay much smaller as compared to other plants in its family. The key is to keep a close eye on their growth, and to contain their size through careful pruning and fertilizing. Additionally, a smaller palm tree can be grown in a container, so the size is more effectively controlled.
Soil Considerations
The quality of the soil for a palm tree is of utmost importance in keeping it of manageable size. Loam soil that is light and fast-draining is best for a shorter palm tree. Heavy clay soils can promote root rot, as well as overly rapid growth if too much fertilizer is added. If planting a palm tree in clay soil, adding a sandier soil mix or addressing compaction issues can help keep the tree small.
Correct Pruning
Trimming and pruning an older palm tree is essential for capping height and size, as well as cutting back on foliage as needed to ensure the palm tree is looking healthy. Proper pruning also allows more light and air circulation, which can encourage a tree to hold back on its growth. Over-pruning can actually stimulate leaf growth, and so caution must be taken to not over-trim and maintain the desired size.
Fertilizing Responsibly
Fertilizing a palm tree is necessary to keep it healthy, however too much fertilizer can cause them to grow to unmanageable sizes. A slow-release fertilizer specifically designed for palms is best, as it will give them the nutrition they need without promoting too rapid of growth. With fertilizing, as with pruning, it is far better to err on the side of caution rather than over-fertilizing and ending up with a palm tree that is too big for desired purposes.
Container Growing
Growing a palm tree in a container or pot is a great way to keep a palm tree from getting too big. This provides a literal physical barrier to growth, as the trees are enclosed in the pot and cannot spread their roots too far. Growing in a container also allows for far more precise fertilization, humidity control, and more direct access to care and maintenance, making it far easier to cap growth and keep the palm tree looking healthy.
Planting Considerations
When planting a palm tree in the ground, it’s important to give it plenty of space. Placing it close to a structure that may tower over it can cause the palm to start growing taller more quickly, as a defense mechanism. The soil should also be well-prepared and light in nature, as noted previously. Planting in a partly-shaded area can also help contain growth, as will providing adequate air circulation.
Protecting from Diseases and Pests
Having control over growth of a palm tree doesn’t just have to do with pruning, fertilizing and planting. It is also essential to make sure the tree is protected from diseases and pests, as these can stunt its growth or further delay its growth. Check your palms for rot or other symptoms of decay, and take steps to properly protect the trees from any pest or fungal invasions. This can prevent the tree from reaching too large of a size.
Using Artificial Support
Sometimes a palm tree may start to grow taller than desired even when properly cared for and pruned. In this case, artificial support can be provided. It is important to provide a strong support structure such as a stake to contain the upward growth. If simply left unchecked, the palm tree may keep growing and quickly reach a size far larger than desired.
Pruning Latex and Emerging Fruits
Removing flowers, late and emerging fruits from a palm tree is beneficial for maintaining its small size. This is not essential for all palm trees, but for some varieties that have a high rate of fruiting, it can help limit size and contain growth as the tree will no longer be expending energy in producing these habitats. This can help keep the tree’s size relatively small.
Watering Moderately
Though most palm trees prefer to remain quite moist, overwatering can overstimulate growth as well. Different species of palms require different frequencies of watering, but usually keeping soil barely moist is best for keeping a tree’s size under control. Also, adding shredded mulch to the top of the soil can help retain some moisture, as well as provide necessary structure and nutrition for the palm tree.
Maintaining Size after Growth Ceases
Once a palm tree has grown to the desired size, regular maintenance is needed to keep it at that size. This includes regular checks for pest infestations or diseases, and pruning when necessary to keep the tree in shape and keep it from becoming top-heavy. These checks as well as following the other guidelines here will ensure the palm tree is kept small.
