How to Transplant Dwarf Palmetto Palms

Dwarf palmetto palms occur naturally within the coastal hardwood forests of the southeastern United States, from the Carolinas to eastern Texas. The palms are sometimes cultivated as ornamental shrubs for their stiff, fanlike fronds and stout trunk, which lend a tropical look to gardens. Mature dwarf palmettos often produce small offshoots around their base, which can be transplanted to grow a whole new shrub. However, the young dwarf palmetto offshoots must be transplanted before they reach 2 feet tall since larger specimens are likely to die from transplant shock.

Trenching shovel

Instructions

- 1
  Prepare a planting site before digging up dwarf palmettos for transplant. Select a partially-shaded spot with moist soil. Using a trenching shovel, dig a planting hole measuring 20 inches wide and 12-to-16 inches deep.
- 2
  Dig up the dwarf palmetto offshoot from the base of its parent shrub. Insert the blade of the trenching shovel into the soil between the parent shrub and offshoot. Press the shovel into the soil to its full length.
- 3
  Work the trenching shovel around the base of the offshoot. Mark out a 12-inch radius around the offshoot so the shovel will not disturb or damage the roots.
- 4
  Grasp the base of the dwarf palmetto trunk in both hands. Lift the shrub from the ground. Crumble off half the soil from around the roots. Fill in the resulting hole.
- 5
  Hold the dwarf palmetto palm in the planting hole so the base of the trunk is on the same level as the surrounding soil. Fill in around the roots with soil. Do not firm the soil, since it might damage the roots.
- 6
  Water the dwarf palmetto to a depth of 5 inches once a week for the first month. Do not let the soil dry out completely for the first month after transplant, since the root growth might be negatively impacted.

Trunk Fungus on Birch

Drought Tolerant Full Shade Trees

Trees