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How to Protect Pygmy Date Palm Trees From Frost
How to Protect Pygmy Date Palm Trees From Frost. The pygmy date palm tree grows best when daytime temperatures are between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures are between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Like other palms, it is a tropical plant that does not tolerate cold temperatures well. After two to three days of exposure to...
The pygmy date palm tree grows best when daytime temperatures are between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures are between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Like other palms, it is a tropical plant that does not tolerate cold temperatures well. After two to three days of exposure to the cold, the leaves of the pygmy date palm will begin to turn yellow or brown. When frost is expected, there are steps you should take to protect the tree from damage.
Things You'll Need
Shovel
Pine straw
Leaves
Burlap
Frost blanket
Twine
Dig up young trees and transplant them against a fence, wall or side of a building. These objects will block the wind, which can lower the temperatures during periods of frost. Place the trees at least 2 feet away from the structure so the limbs do not grow into it.
Spread mulch under the pygmy date palm tree in the fall so that it is at least 4 inches thick and extends 2 feet away from the base of the tree. Mulch will help to retain heat in the soil and protect the tree's roots during periods of frost. Choose a mulch that does not compact easily, such as pine straw or leaves.
Wrap the trunk of adult trees with a frost blanket or a single layer of burlap when the temperatures are expected to fall below freezing. Secure the burlap using twine or string. You can leave the material on for up to five days before it will start to damage the tree.
Bury pygmy date palms that are less than 2 feet high under a mound of pine straw or leaves. Simply pour the material on top of the palm and make sure that no part of the tree is exposed. You can leave this mulch on the tree until early spring.
Tips & Warnings
The pygmy date palm is slightly more tolerant of freezing temperatures as it grows older, but you should always attempt to protect it from cold temperatures.
If the pygmy date palm is in a pot, move it to an indoor location during the winter.
