What is the Cost of a Palm Tree?
Palm trees are among the most famous trees, known for their decorative and ornamental properties. Most people tend to think of the palm tree as something to look at and not necessarily something to own. While it’s true that occasions to own a palm tree are somewhat rare, the luxurious palm tree can still be found in many places and can often be purchased for a price.
Most palm trees used for decorative purpose are grown in tropical areas, like Florida and Hawaii. Growing a palm tree usually involves a tremendous amount of effort, since the tree needs a great amount of sunshine, plenty of water and a rich soil where to root. As a result, palm trees are usually quite expensive, as they require a great deal of manual labor or a significant investment in machines and special techniques.
The exact cost of a palm tree will depend on several factors such as its species or variety, size and its place of cultivation. Depending on these three factors a palm tree can cost anywhere between around $25 for a 6-foot tall pindo palm to hundreds of dollars for a 15-foot tall Canary Island Date Palm. Many types of palm trees can even cost more than thousands of dollars for a single tree, such as a Kentia Palm, considered one of the most dignified species on the market.
In order to determine a specific cost for a particular palm tree, the interested prospective buyer will have to look for the particular variety of palm tree he or she desires and then contact different producers and nurseries to find out the exact price. There is also an alternative option for those who are unable to afford expensive palm trees: purchasing a potted tree from online retailers or from a local nursery. Potted palm trees cost much less and they can be a viable solution for decorating any interior space.
Maintenance Costs
When shopping for a palm tree, it is important to keep in mind that the buying price is just the first part of the expense. Maintaining a palm tree can be quite costly and time consuming, as it needs to be watered regularly, pruned and fertilized in order to reach the desired full potential. It’s also important to consider the fact that eventually, the cost of maintenance can represent a major portion of the total expenses.
Insurance is another important factor to consider when purchasing a palm tree. While it may not be compulsory, it is recommended to consider insurance when owning and taking care of a palm tree, as major damage could be caused by unexpected events, such as hurricanes or high winds.
In conclusion, the cost of a palm tree largely depends on the three main factors mentioned before: species, size and the person providing it. It is highly recommended to consider in advance all the maintenance costs and requirements for the specific species and for the environmental conditions where the palm tree will eventually be put.
The Difference Between Palm Trees
When it comes to buying a palm tree, it is important to know the different between the primary types of palm trees: interiors palms, hardy exteriors palms and cyber palms.
Indoor palms or interiors palms are designed to be kept inside the home or office, due to the fact that they need specific temperature and humidity to prosper. Indoors palms come in a variety of species, shapes and colours and they usually don’t require a lot of space as most of them grow quite slowly, so they can fit in any small interior space. Interior palms are usually bought for their ornamental purposes as well as for their air filtering properties.
Hardy exteriors palms, on the other hand, belong to a species of palm trees strong enough to tolerate occasional exposure to frost or strong winds. These palms require quite a lot of space, as they grow a lot faster than interior palms, some of which could reach up to 75 feet in height. Hardy exteriors palms are usually planted in front gardens, walkways and decorating larger outdoor spaces.
Finally, cyber palms are in fact a variety of robust ferns and grasses, specifically designed for computer software and video games. Cyber palms are used to fill outdoor video game landscapes or sci-fi cityscapes in order to give the desired effect of a tropical city. Despite the fact that these palms are not real plants, they are almost completely indistinguishable from real palms, making them popular among video game developers.
Palm Trees Around the World
Palm trees are found all across the world, from the United States to China, Thailand and many more countries. Over 2000 species of palm trees exist, comprising a major chunk of any country’s vegetation landscape. However, the climate of the region plays an important role in the types of palm trees that can be successfully grown.
In the United States, Palm Springs is perhaps the city most associated with palm trees. The annual Palm Springs event is one of the biggest events of the year, so naturally, palm trees are very popular in the area. In Asia and Japan, the coconut palm is one of the most common species and is used in both traditional and modern cooking as well as for producing copra and toddy. In Australia, the queen palm is one of the most popular species and is often used to line the streets and decorate public spaces.
In India, palm trees are largely used for their oil producing properties, with plantations located in several states such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Palm oil is used for various things including cosmetics, cooking and for fuel, among many more.
Finally, in Africa, the oil palm is one of the most popular species, and it is also the main source of palm oil. There, palm trees are cultivated in large plantations that cover many acres of land, providing a major source of income for thousands of people.
Different Uses of Palm Trees
Besides being used for their ornamental and decorative properties, there are a number of different uses for palm trees. The most common use of palm trees is for their oil producing properties. However, palm trees can also be used to produce a number of other products such as palm sugar, palm frond mats, and even palm wine.
Palm trees are also commonly used in construction, as their thick trunks and sturdy branches are perfect for building houses and furniture. Coconut palms, in particular, are very popular in this regard, as the bark is used to craft mats, bags, decorative items, and even roofs. In places like Madagascar, coconut palms are also used to make suspensions for vehicles, as the fibres of the trunk are very sturdy. Palm trees are also used to create fabrics for clothing, hats, and even accessories.
Finally, palm trees are also used for religious purposes. Palms are featured heavily in traditional rites, ceremonies and celebrations in many cultures, as they often symbolize victory, new hope or a new beginning. Palm leaves are also used in some Indian and Middle Eastern cultures to welcome guests or special occasions.
Palm Tree Tourism and Characteristics
As mentioned earlier, palm trees can often be seen in specialised palm tree tourism regions, like in Palm Springs or Miami. There, tourists can go on guided tours and learn more about the history, uses and characteristics of palm trees. Some of the most curious characteristics of palm trees are their root system and their way of storing water.
Palm trees don’t have a conventional root system like most trees, instead, their roots are only about one foot deep, with the rest of their structure committed to finding the most efficient way to reach deeper parts of the ground. Additionally, palm trees can store up to a hundred gallons of water in their trunk, making them very useful trees in areas with scarce water sources.
Finally, palm trees also suffer from occasional bouts of pests, specially among the interior species. One of the most common of these pests is the dreaded mealybug, small insects commonly found in large numbers on the leaves of indoor palms. Preventing the appearance of this pest is essential in order to keep the tree healthy, since in some cases it can cause major damage to the whole plant, forcing to discard it.
