Do Palm Tree Leaves Turn Yellow After Transplanting?

Significance

• Palm tree leaves are likely to turn yellow after transplanting. The stress surrounding this surgical removal from the earth is significant. The tree roots are cut for removal, it and may require a substantial length of time before they regenerate within the soil of their new home. When the roots are damaged, their ability to absorb water and nutrition from the earth is minimized.

Process

• Because they are not receiving sufficient moisture, palm tree leaves turn yellow after transplanting. However, this condition is reversible and palm tree roots actually are quite efficient at adapting to their new home and regaining strength. Palms transplanted from a container must have a successful fertilization strategy to establish themselves heartily and allow the leaves to regain health. The fertilizer should extend 6 to 12 inches beyond the rootball.

Fertilizer and Irrigation

• Fertilizer for a transplanted palm tree from a container should contain a high level of nitrogen and water the root ball regularly. The soil from the root ball dries out more quickly than the surrounding earth. This extra irrigation process should continue for six to eight months and include the construction of a circular wall around the rootball encouraging the water to soak into the roots. The amount of irrigation depends on soil and weather conditions.

Species

• Different palm species respond differently to the stress transplanting. Cutting the roots exacerbates the problem. When the roots of a Sabal palmetto are cut, nearly all of them dieback to the palm and new roots must grow from the root-initiation zone. Meanwhile, more than half the roots of a coconut palm survive cutting. As a result, coconut palm roots require less time to regenerate and the likelihood of the leaves yellowing is diminished.