Planting a Sylvester palm is simple when you follow the steps in the right order. The hole should be wide but not deep, the trunk must stay above the soil, and the palm needs a full soak to settle in. This guide walks you through each step, from delivery day through the first two weeks.
Plant Soon After Delivery
Plant as soon as possible after your palm arrives. Our palms are field-grown on the farm in Vero Beach, not containerized. The crew root-wraps each palm in the field before loading it. Keep the root wrap on until you are ready to plant. If planting must wait, keep the root wrap on and set the palm in a shady, well-ventilated spot. Check the palm for damage when it arrives, and let the crew know right away if anything looks wrong.
Pick the Right Spot
Choose a site with enough room for the mature palm. Look at sun exposure, drainage and nearby structures. Keep the palm away from overhead lines and buildings. Mark the spot before you dig, so you know where the root ball will sit. Call 811 before you dig to have underground utilities located. Think about how the palm will look as it grows, and how far it sits from walkways, pools and fences.
Dig a Hole Twice as Wide
Dig the hole about twice as wide as the root ball. Width gives the roots room to spread into loose soil. The hole should be only as deep as the palm was grown on the farm. Digging too deep can cause the palm to settle unevenly. Keep the sides of the hole rough rather than smooth, so roots can grow outward more easily.
Set the Palm at the Right Depth
Lower the palm into the hole with care. Lift it by the root ball, not the trunk. Check the depth before you backfill. The soil line on the trunk should match the ground around it. Never bury the trunk. Burying can cause rot, so keep the trunk above the soil at all times.
Backfill and Pack Out Air Pockets
Backfill with a mix of soil and gravel, following the farm's guidance for your site. Fill in layers, and pack each layer gently as you go. Pack out air pockets with your hands or a tamping tool so the roots make close contact with the soil. Air pockets can dry out roots and slow the palm's start.
Build a Soil Dam and Soak Fully
Build a low soil dam, or berm, around the outer edge of the planting area. The dam holds water over the root zone instead of letting it run off. Fill the basin slowly until the soil is fully soaked. Check that water has reached the root ball, not just the top layer of soil.
Water Daily in the First Two Weeks
After planting, water daily or every other day for the first two weeks. Watering keeps the root zone moist while new roots establish. Adjust for rain, and avoid soggy conditions that leave the soil waterlogged. Check the soil with a finger before each watering. Our planting and first-year care guidance covers these steps in more detail.
Feed Your Palm the Right Way
Fertilize in spring, summer and early fall with a slow-release fertilizer. Look for a product that includes manganese, magnesium, potassium, iron and copper sulfates. Follow the label directions, and do not overapply. A steady feeding routine helps the palm settle in and keep healthy growth going.
What to Expect After Planting
Sylvester palms are described as cold-hardy and wind tolerant once they are established. They are also described as low maintenance after the first year. Most of the hands-on work happens in the early weeks, while the roots are settling in. Keep an eye on the trunk and fronds, and call the farm if anything looks off. Watch new fronds as they emerge. Healthy new growth is a good sign that the roots are settling in, while slow growth may simply mean the palm needs more time. Keep the area around the base clear of weeds and turf for the first months, so new roots have room to grow.
Delivery, Planting and Visits
Delivery is available for every order. The crew root-wraps the palm in the field, loads it with a loader onto a trailer or flatbed and delivers it to your site. If you prefer, you can visit the farm, walk the rows and pick the exact palm yourself. Call ahead before visiting. You can also read more about palm delivery and planting from the farm.
Meet the Farm in Vero Beach
Sylvestris Tree Farms is based in Vero Beach, FL, and serves Vero Beach and Indian River County. Palms are field-grown on the farm, and owner Jerry meets customers in the field. Visiting the rows helps you choose the exact palm for your site, including its grade and size. Bring a list of questions about planting and first-year care, so the visit is useful.
Ready to plant? Call 772-778-3006 with your planting address for a quote. Our team can explain the palm grades and sizes, and you can call ahead to set up a visit to the farm.
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep should I plant a Sylvester palm?
Plant it only as deep as it was grown on the farm. Never bury the trunk.
How often should I water a new Sylvester palm?
Water daily or every other day for the first two weeks after planting.
Can I visit the farm before I buy?
Yes. You can visit the farm, walk the rows and pick the exact palm. Call ahead before visiting.
How do I get a delivery quote?
Call 772-778-3006 with your planting address for a quote. Delivery is available for every order.