Mulling over which are the best palm trees for backyards? Before we get right to it, there's some points to evaluate for a successful, happy palm in your backyard. First step is to be sure your environment is best for the palm tree you choose to plant in your backyard.
For instance, where we live in the Sonoran Desert in Tucson Arizona, we're restricted in palm choices. Then there's our HOA - with further restrictions on what palms we can plant.
Just some details to consider. Before you'll even tell which palms are best for you.
Basics for Deciding The Best Palm Trees for Backyards
Don't be that person who regrets choosing a particular palm for your yard! Palms are an investment in cash & time. Don't let that go to waste. We know you won't, because you're doing your research!
Scroll down for best practices to plant the best palm trees for backyards.
You Already Know & Understand Best Practices?
You Want to Get Right to the Best Palm Trees for Backyard? What's Your Choice?
Best to know what Your Own Planting Zone is! Consider your specific climate. Really that's one of the first things to know. To have your best palm tree for backyard success.
Know its full, mature height. Will it overwhelm your home? Are there structures it will interfere with?
Also think of the crown's size. Even with proper height, the palm's fronds may spread & hit something.
What Went Wrong Here?
Get These Exclusives! Order It Here, Now...
THE PALM'S LIFE NEEDS
Just like we do, palms need sunlight, water & nutrition. But how much & what type for your best palm trees for your backyard?
Palms' sunlight needs come from their native growing areas. Important to find out your palm's sun requirements. Then think of your backyard's sunny vs. shady parts.
Water needs also relate to a palm's endemic growing conditions. Almost all palms need good draining soil. How much water can you or should you give the palm you're thinking of?
Soils have varied natural nutrients. Does your soil supply them for any needs your palm tree will have? To know if, when & how you might supplement with palm fertilizer.
PALMS PHYSICAL PARTS
Do you have a specific palm species in mind? Know its looks, for coordinating your best palm tree for backyard planting.
Their Leaves
Do the leaves have that look you've been yearning for? That picture in your minds-eye? Have you figured the Parts of the Fronds your palm will have?
Which Do You Prefer? Or Will Either Do? As You Love Them Both!
Reasons to Plant Palms
Looking to frame a local feature, like distant mountains? You should think of solitary palms. Those with a single trunk.
Did you want to screen out something unsightly, like trash cans? Clumping palms make good hedge barriers.
Plantings for Framing Your Favorite View
Are You Looking to Mask Something Unappealing?
Palm Dangers! Really!!
Some palms have spines that could cause harm. Especially for kids and/or pets. You'll not want this Type of Palm close to walkways or outdoor entertainment areas.
Now that you've evaluated your backyard environment & palm planting needs, let's find the best palm tree for your backyard.
Remember the USDA zone map only evaluates average lowest minimum temperatures. It's not the be-all & end-all. Along with your Planting Zone, account for other local landscape, weather & micro-climate factors.
Think about your area's humidity & rainfall averages. Also your backyard's soil make-up & water drainage.
Plus is your backyard on a hill? Is the slope north facing, which gets less sunlight?
Truly tropical climate zones include Planting Zones 10b through 13. Maximum low temps go from 35-40oF. But also consider that arid climates don't support all the best palm trees for tropical backyards.
Solitary Palm Ideas
Smaller Palms
Manilla Palm - Adonidia merrillii is also called "Christmas Palm" for its fruiting & colors around December.
Best for Zones 10b-11.
Only gets about 20'/6m high.
Needs consistent watering & mostly sunny location.Good solitary palm for groupings of 3.
Formosa Palm - Arenga englari is also called Dwarf Sugar Palm. Yes, it's endemic to Taiwan.
Enchanting hedging along your backyard property line, even on the sunny side. But not where people may end up touching the skin inflaming fruit. Add a Caution Sign?
Or maybe trim away inflorescences after the pleasant-smelling yellow flowers begin to dwindle.
Subtropical climate zones include Planting Zones 9-10a. Low temps go from about 20-35oF.
This includes arid zones. If that's you, evaluate that for the best palm tree for your backyard.
Solitary Trunked Palms
Small Sized Palms for the Subtropics
Pinanga patula is often just called Pinang. Dramatic pinnate frond leaflets are fuller than many. Making a brimming, rounded crown.
Slow to medium growth to get 15-19'/4.5-5+m tall.
Best for part shade. Needs consistent watering.
Giant Windowpane Palm - Beccariophoenix madagascariensis grows 24-40 ft./7-12m up. Best in Zones 10b-11. But 10a doable with caution.
Some say it's the most gorgeous palm of all. Likes shade for part of the day.
Native to rainforests of Madagascar, it does love regular watering.
Growing in Naples Botanical Garden, Florida
Brazilian Needle Palm - Trithrinax brasiliensis has an unusual trunk wound round with massive fibers. Almost looks like a winter coat! Adding to its character.
Grows well in Zones 9-11. Even Zone 8 in arid climates.
Best with full sun, but has lower water needs.
Vintage Palm Painting of the Brazilian Needle, From 1878
Subtropical Large Palms
Cohune Palm - Attalea cohune gets to 40'/12+m. Ideal for Zones 10-11. Can even try 9b with winter protection.
Grows slowly while base trunk develops. Once that's done, much faster growth.
Likes sun & adequate watering.
Another From Naples Botanical Garden
Caranday Palm - Copernica alba is great for focus group plantings. Best in 3s of varied heights.
Can get 80' tall, fairly quickly. Average watering schedule.
Does well in Zones 9b-11. Sometimes cautiously in 9a.
Costa Rican Bamboo Palm - Chamaedorea costaricana is native to Central American rainforests. Ideal in Zones 10-11. 9b usually doable with wintertime care.
Likes to have some daily shade. Drinks in the water in humus-filled soil!
Kumaon Palm - Trachycarpus taki is native to Himalayan heights. Only documented in 1991. Likely fine in Zones 7b-11. Some are experimenting in Zone 7a, 6, even some 5s!
Maxes out at 46'/15m, while regularly ditching dead fronds.
Likes a sunny spot & regular watering.
This Himalayan Palm Grows In the San Francisco Botanical Garden
Taller Temperate Palms
Windmill Palm - Trachycarpus fortunei has 2 more common names: Chusan Palm & Chinese Windmill Palm. Quite popular for its cold-hardiness.
Possible in Zones 7-11. Colder winters can require protective action.
Likes sunlight, but doesn't mind a bit of shade. Average water requirements.
California Fan Palm - Washingtonia filifera, or Cotton Palm in England. Can get 70'/21m high. Does pretty well in Zones 8-11; 7 OK for more arid areas.
Likes sunny spots & casual watering. Grows faster if you give it more water, within reason.
Usually keeps its dead leaves, as a skirt. If you like that look.
Works well as a focus palm. Best planting three of them, varying heights. Though best for large backyards.
Did you find your best palm for backyard areas that you'd plan to go with? We hope so. Tropical areas certainly find it easier to do that, as so many are native to the tropics.
But if you're still thinking of that perfect palm & have a species in mind: You Can Ask Us if what palm you're thinking of may be suitable for your backyard.
Landscaping with palm trees - ideas the best ways to create your own tropically beautiful yard! All the planning help you'd want to begin, revise or add.
Did You Find Value Here?
Please Share To Others In Your Networks - Thanks much!