Trachycarpus Fortunei

The Bird Lady

We have a Trachycarpus Fortunei that's getting too tall for it's current location, does anyone know what the root system is like?  Is it likely to be difficult to get out?  It's about 7 foot tall (sorry don't do metric!).

If it means I've got to dig down to Australia, I'll leave it where it is!

Paul B3

Good morning TBL

Unlike evergreen and deciduous trees , palms grow their root systems from a 'lower-extension' of the main trunk . These grow continuously to anchor and nurture the plant . They do not usually make a vast root system and minor damage to these will not affect it too badly as they readily regenerate .

Providing your new planting site is well prepared , ie:- good free draining soil ,( pH is not too important) , your tree should transplant fairly easily without having to chop through major roots .

Be very careful not to damage the solitary growing bud at the tip of the plant , otherwise it will die .

PS  Make a hole at least twice the size of the rootball , and invest in some good shovels !

Good luck !

Last edited: 06 January 2018 10:43:32

The Bird Lady

Thanks very much for your info Paul, much appreciated!  

The Bird Lady

So...... we haven't yet moved this TF and of course, it's grown a bit in the last 4 years!  The question of moving it has been raised again so I have one more question - when is the best time to do it? 

Plantminded

I'd wait until the end of the growing season, so early Autumn, when the soil is not too wet and cold.  To reduce stress on the plant, in the interim, remove any tatty or dying leaves so that it has less foliage to support when you move it.  I'd also mix some bone meal into the soil in the planting hole to encourage root growth. 

The Bird Lady

I did think that would be the case.  Thanks for that. 

Plantminded

There are also several videos on line showing you how to do this - always helps to see how it's done!

The Bird Lady

Great, thanks again!