Backyard Palm Tree Ideas
to Make Your Space Feel Like a Tropical Escape

Our backyard palm tree ideas help transform your own backyard into that peaceful, stunning paradise. A property reshape with the addition of palms!

We created this backyard palm idea guide to give you tips and tricks to help. Palm trees are the best to start adding a touch of the tropics to your backyard. But you can even go further.

We'll show you.

Feeling overwhelmed by so many palm trees?

You're not alone. We Understand your headaches! At Mission: Palm Trees you'll find clear answers to questions & Step-By-Step Guidance, from real people. With solutions to help. No puzzling shoptalk. No tiring research. So it's easy & fun for you.

Why Palm Trees Make a Stunning Backyard Feature

We're here to get you on your way to creating the perfect backyard oasis. They're wonderful for many types of backyards.

  • They create that instant tropical atmosphere.
  • Palms are low maintenance, which is good for busy homeowners.
  • Whether your backyard is large or small, there are palms just right for you.
Single palm in a landscapeFind Your Best Backyard Palm Tree Ideas Here!

THE CLIMATE ZONE IS AN IMPORTANT FIRST

Please don't go right out and buy what you think looks so pretty when you see it in a nursery ad or online!

Believe me - we know! From our own horrible experiences planting palms, and from those of our friends.

Because the first step for backyard palm tree ideas for your home vacay retreat is choosing the right type of palm for your climate. Don't miss finding your own Climate Zone.

US Planting Zones mapClick on This Climate Zone Map to Find Your Exact Zone!

If you don't live in the United States, you can still use this chart. Compare the lowest temps your microclimate experiences, and then match that to a listed zone.

The Tropical Climate Palm Plant for Your Yard

Many Types of Palm Trees, love rainy, sultry warm climates. Think of the true tropics, or subtropics, for any backyard palm tree ideas. Find Palm Species that fit those zones.

Orange Collar Palm TreesAreca vestiaria, commonly called Orange Collar Palm.
Needs to grow in balmy tropical climates, like that there in Hawaii.

Mission: Palm Trees is made possible by readers like you! If you purchase via a link/ ad here, we may earn a small commission. At no added cost to you. Thanks for your support! Learn more>

Backyard Palm Trees in Desert Climates

On the other end of the spectrum are those arid Desert-Like Setting Palms. Where too much water isn't a good thing!

Will any of these suit your backyard?

Mediterranean Fan palmThe Mediterranean Fan Palm growing next to an agave in San Diego.

Are There Backyard Palm Options for Cooler Regions?

How cold does it get where you live? You may be surprised to see palms can do just fine in your area! A few things you could do:

Design Ideas for a Stunning Palm Tree Paradise

Think ahead when designing your palm tree backyard. Because for that successful tropical aura, you'll need more than digging that hole & planting the palm!

First figure out the Type of Palm Tree you'd like in the backyard.

Clustering Palms for a Lush, Layered Look

Some palm trees are the Clumping Type of Palm.

  • They form new stems and spread out. Do you have room for that in your backyard? 
  • Clustering palms are used as privacy screens.
  • They're also used like border hedges.
Doum Palm Tree in the Canary IslandsDoum Palm, the Hyphaene coriacea.
Want to plant this clustering palm in your backyard?

How to Use a Single Palm Tree as a Backyard Focal Point

You might want the simplest of backyard palm tree ideas. 

Use a single trunked palm, maybe medium sized, as the one focal point. A single specimen palm tree is a relatively easy way to transform your backyard.

Unlike grouped palm plantings, a standalone single-trunked palm (called solitary) draws the eye immediately, creating a natural centerpiece. It can serve as an anchor for your entire landscape design.

Choose varieties with distinctive features like these:

Plant your specimen palm where it commands attention:

  • Near a patio.
  • At the end of a walkway.
  • Centered in an open grassy area.
lone palm tree growing on a hillock surrounded by grass and edged with decorative bricksNews Bulletin! Don't grow a grassy lawn right against the palm trunk - that can cause problems.

For maximum effect...

This simple strategy presents a bold visual drama, while not overcrowding your backyard.

Focal Point with Groupings of Palm Trees

Make a focus area with a group of palm trees together in an area of your yard.

  • Clustering Palms can make a focal point that draws eyes right to them! Plant them in a circular feature outlined by Decorative Stoneware. You may have to thin out trunks after a time.
  • Several palms can be placed in one area of your backyard. Plan for the same species, and at variable heights. Group them in odd numbers for the best look. Usually 3 or 5 is the way to go.
Lounging chairs poolside with palms and tropical plantsThree coconut palms of varied heights are scattered spa-side.

Pairing Palms with Tropical Companion Plants

An added design aspect is using the focus palm’s height to create lush layers of color and texture underneath. Drawing the eye downward to vibrant tropical backyard plantings.

  • Low-growing companions like: Bromeliads | Ferns | Caladiums | Elephant Ears - all echo a rainforest feel with bold foliage and contrasting leaf shapes. Choose those that are colorful, or with entirely different leaf patterns than your palm.
  • Choose companion plants with similar zone, water and light needs. This keeps care simple.
  • Mixing flowers, leafy greenery, and groundcovers makes for interest surrounding the palm as the focal point.
  • Enchanting, aromatic flowers will be the perfect match for your palm tree.
landscape garden with palmsA layered landscape like this draws the eye following the short, medium and then tall - the Palms.

Backyard Themes You Can Create with Palm Trees

These backyard palm tree ideas make an ideal motif for your own tastes.

Resort-Style Poolside Landscaping With Palms

To feel like your backyard is a resort, use taller elegant palms to frame the pool. The object is to create a lush, shaded oasis that feels like a high-end hotel.

  • Place one or several palms in one corner or section of your backyard pool area.
  • Use Small Palms just beyond the pool's walkway border. Space them in a zig-zag manner. Either use the same species, or you can vary them.
  • Consider if palm fronds, fruit or flowers might litter the area.
Deck around a pool with wooden fence, plants and a palm-like treeOrange in poolside pavers, chair-backs & cushions and the umbrella.
How about adding orange flower blooms around this palm-like planting!

The key is to place larger palms as pool corner focal points.

Another idea is to plant palms along the far edge of the pool. Then layer medium-sized palms and other Tropical Plants Like a Bird of Paradise beneath them for depth and mellowness.

Choose “clean” palm varieties with non-invasive roots and minimal fruit drop. To keep your pool area low-maintenance while still delivering that luxurious, vacation-ready atmosphere.

Pool and palm trees at a southwestern styled homeSame palm species in this backyard, echoing the neighborhood environment!

Beach-Inspired Sand and Stone Designs

Think about Planning Your Landscape for a beachy vibe, too. Sand or gravel pathways can do that.

Since we live in the Sonoran Desert, but still love taking tropical beach vacations. So we like to add beachy touches to our backyard and home.

You can do that too, no matter where you live!

A beachy feel adds a relaxing yet fun ethos when you're with family & friends in your backyard home resort.

Sign with a beach saying

Enhancing Your Palm Tree Area with Lighting

Another method for backyard enhancement is using focus lighting around your palms.

To nightly magnify the lush ambiance of your tropical space. Literally highlighting your palm out from the dark!

Placing feature lighting involving your backyard palms is the perfect trick. There are several ideas for lighting up your palms to get everyone immersed in the palms' overtones.

Up-Lighting for Dramatic Nighttime Shadows

An up-lighting plan directs the light beam up the trunk. To shine from below.

  • It shows the natural architecture of the trunk, as well as the depth of the fronds.
  • This spotlights your palm tree groupings.
  • This technique makes your palms vibrant, apart from the dark areas of your yard.
Tops of several palm trees lighted up at nightThese lights are placed on the Trunk, pointing up, featuring the palm crown from below.
But a stunning alternative is lighting upward from ground-level!

Create an Inviting Evening Tropical Tone by Using String Lights wound around the bottom trunk of your palm.

Palms in a backyard with lights swirling up the trunksLight strands wind around backyard palms for a magnificent display.

String Lights for a Relaxed Tropical Ambience

Small lights along a string are a subtle way to enhance your backyard's character.

  • String Palm Tree Lights along your deck's railing edges.
  • Hang Lantern Lights for another captivating idea. Your backyard tropical space will seem magical as the sun sets. 
Lanterns strung across a seaside deckLight Up Your Backyard Deck With Lanterns. Adds an Exotic Glow to Your Tropical Palm Tree Dining.

Solar Lighting Options for Energy Efficiency

You don't need to blast up your electric power bill.

  • Add low-voltage Directed Solar Landscape Lights circling the base around the palm trees. It highlights particular features of individual palms.
  • Add Solar String Lights. To create an evening tropical aura along any plant or backyard features. The effect is an inviting space for spending time.

Practical Tips for Planting and Maintenance

Essentials for backyard palm tree ideas and considerations.

Site Conditions - Sun, soil & space

  • Think of your yard’s sunlight (full sun vs partial shade), drainage, and available rooting space so it can establish well and stay healthy.

Maintenance - Time & Mess

  • Choose a palm whose essential needs match the time and effort you want to invest.
  • What will drop off the palm? Like fruit, leaves, etc.

Mature Size & Form - Down the Road

  • Check the eventual height and crown width. So there's no interference with your home, other structures or power lines. 
  • Do you want a single tall trunk, a clustering palm with a shorter, fuller look.

An essential part of your initial planning.

Is there enough space for your intended palm?

Evaluate your outdoor space, and your backyard layout, plus your home's architecture.

Imagine how the palm will look in its planned placement when fully grown.

  • Will it overshadow your home, be out of proportion?
  • Will the palm look out of place in your backyard, compared to other plants?
  • Will it be a suitable fit with your overall Developing Landscaping Plan?
Tall Palms at a Low Roofed HomePalms way out of proportion to the home.

How to Properly Plant a Palm Tree

Having tips about How to Grow Palms is important.

  • The ground into which the palm is plunked affects their lifetime of health. Choose a sunny, well‑drained spot.
  • Dig a hole about twice as wide as the root ball but only as deep.
  • Place the palm so the spot where the roots meet the trunk is only one inch below the surrounding soil - no more.
  • Backfill by returning the soil. Some palms do better if you Mix in a Bit of Organic Matter. Know the nutrient needs of your palm to see if that's a good thing. Palm Tree Guide Books let you in to each species requirements.

Now you can add mulch, keeping the trunk base away from it, for a clean look.

pile of potting soil with adjacent scoop fill

Watering and Fertilizing for Healthy Growth

Water deeply and regularly for the first 6-8 months, so the roots establish.

Scatter slow-release fertilizer on top of the soil beneath the crown.

Preventing Pests and Common Palm Diseases

Most palms stay healthy with Basic Palm Tree Care.

But its best to be aware of your palm's vulnerability to the Most Common Palm Problems. Regularly make the rounds of your palms, looking for the start of anything suspicious.

Remember that saying "Prevention is worth a pound of cure" and that definitely applies to palms.

Final Touches to Complete Your Backyard Paradise

Picture the furniture and decor that will mesh well with your backyard palm tree ideas.

Furniture and Decor That Complement Palm Designs

Think about the items you already have in your backyard.

  • Your outdoor furniture, your patio or deck, or the yard or garden's wall or fencing. 
  • Even the your home's style, plus its chosen color scheme.

It looks better when you evaluate a harmonized styling plan.

For instance, if your home is modern, try to keep with modern outdoor furniture. Or if your modern furniture is already there, don't bother with the expense of new items. Instead, add in modern complimentary elements:

Whichever fits you, a lush tropical oasis for your backyard seating areas. And surrounding planting color pops for your palm tree. You can do that!

  • Use some fabulously styled outdoor pillows with palmy flourishes. Like these:

Paths, Rocks, and Borders to Frame Your Palms

Plan a presentation framing with a simple surface such as Pale Gravel, Decomposed Granite, or a Low Uniform Groundcover.

DIY Tropical Add-Ons: Tiki Style & Hammocks

Adding in palm tree tropics-related decor is a simple way to make it better yet. Only enhancing the backyard's flavor.

The Tiki Vibe

outdoor tiki bar all ready to go

Make a tiki bar by adding bamboo or Rattan To Your Bar. 

Your Own Tropical Culture

Is there a place to hang Brightly Colored Tropical Plaques? Like...

bathroom sign about washing your hands, but worded for palms

Create bold arrangements featuring palm leaves or colorful flowers of the tropics.

We have other ideas to think about.

  • You could Place Bamboo Screens around the deck. Privacy screens to block out the neighbors' view. While still adding that tropical aura.
  • Use Temporary Folding Screens as partitions during luau parties or backyard gatherings. Bring them out of storage when needed. 
  • Place Tropical-Themed Screening to separate patio or deck eating areas from the home entry.

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  1. Backyard Palm Tree Ideas Make Your Space Feel Like a Tropical Escape

    Single palm in a landscape
    Bring a resort feel home. Explore inspiring backyard palm tree ideas with themes like clustering, layering, and lighting designs for any space.

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FAQ for Backyard Palm Tree Ideas

What are the best palm trees for backyards?

Some of the most popular backyard options include the Queen Palm, Pygmy Date Palm, Windmill Palm, and Areca Palm. Varied Types of Palms that offer attractive shapes, manageable size, and the right climate for you. See More of the Best Ideas Here>

How do I choose the right palm tree for my backyard?

Your First Choice Must Be Based on Your Climate.

Once you've checked for that, then look for your backyard's available sunlight and the desired height that works for your space. Also think about the species' maintenance level, easiest for your free time.

Homeowners in cooler regions should look for Cold-Tolerant Species, while warm-climate areas can support taller and more tropical palms. Palms in desert areas should be drought-tolerant.

How far should palm trees be planted from the house?

Most palms should be planted 8–15ft/2.4-4.6m feet from structures, depending on mature canopy size. This prevents root pressure from foundations and gives the tree room to grow naturally.

See More About Planting Palms>

Can palm trees be grown in small backyards?

Absolutely.

Compact species like the Pygmy Date Palm, Bottle Palm, and Lady Palm thrive in small spaces to give that tropical appeal. Consider All of These Small Palms>

See Tips For Designing Them>

What plants pair well with backyard palm trees?

Tropical-style companions like hibiscus, bird-of-paradise, crotons, and ginger plants complement palm shapes. Use them to create a lush layered look.

See More About Pairing for Your Palm>

Are palm trees messy in a backyard?

Not usually.

  • Some species occasionally drop old fronds on their own, essentially self-cleaning. All you need to do is discard them.
  • Choosing low-mess varieties like the Foxtail Palm or Queen Palm keeps maintenance minimal.
  • Yet palms further their existence by Growing Palm Tree Fruit. They'll typically drop to the ground. Watch for growing inflorescences (flower stems), which can be trimmed away to prevent fruits from forming.
  • Here are Other Practical Tips>

Takeaways for backyard palm tree ideas

We hope that some backyard palm tree ideas you'll find useful here. We haven't used them all ourselves, but we've seen others who've used them around Tucson Arizona. Where we live.

These ideas could rev up your thinking cap! Transferring some to how they'd work for your own backyard. We've done that ourselves.

We wanted to cover all the bases that might be helpful for you!

Instead of the ordinary outdoor area it had been before you began putting into place all your backyard palm tree ideas - you'll now have an amazing oasis, day or night!

Palm Tree Chronicles:
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