A palm can arrive before the planting hole is ready. Do not panic. Plant it as soon as you can, since fresh roots settle well into the ground. If planting must wait, keep the root wrap on and set the palm in a shady, well-ventilated spot until you are ready.
Our planting and first-year care guidance covers the full process. Here is what to do if your Sylvester palm arrives early.
Plant as soon as you can
Planting on the day of delivery is the best option. The palm is field-grown, so it is already used to the ground. Getting it into the soil quickly reduces stress and keeps the roots moving.
If you can dig the hole before the palm arrives, do it. Having the site ready makes the delivery day much calmer.
If planting must wait
Sometimes the site is not ready. A short wait is manageable if you protect the palm properly. Keep the root wrap on so the root ball stays intact and protected. Find a shady, well-ventilated spot away from direct sun and strong wind.
Check on the palm often while it waits. The root ball should not dry out. Water it as needed so it stays moist but not soggy.
- Do keep the root wrap on until planting day.
- Do set the palm in a shady, well-ventilated spot.
- Do check the root ball regularly while it waits.
- Do not remove the wrap to look at the roots.
- Do not leave the palm in full sun or sealed in a hot space.
- Do not bury the palm in soil while it waits.
What not to do
Some mistakes cause more trouble than the wait itself. Avoid them from the start, and call the farm if you are unsure about anything.
- Burying the trunk when you plant
- Planting the palm deeper than it was grown
- Leaving the root wrap off for a long wait
- Skipping the first two weeks of watering
- Guessing at fertilizer without reading the plan first
How to dig the planting hole
Dig the hole about twice as wide as the root ball. Do not make it deeper than that. The palm should sit at the same depth it was grown. A hole that is too deep can sink the palm and cause problems later.
Loosen the soil around the sides of the hole. Smooth edges make it easier for new roots to spread out.
Set the palm and backfill
Set the palm upright in the hole. Check that the trunk is not buried. Backfill with a soil and gravel mix, working it in around the root ball. Pack the soil gently to push out air pockets. Air pockets can dry out roots and leave the palm unsteady.
Build a soil dam around the hole so water stays where it is needed. Then soak the planting area fully so the new soil settles around the roots.
Water in the first two weeks
Water the palm daily or every other day for the first two weeks. Check the soil before each watering. Rain can change the schedule, so adjust as the weather changes. Consistent moisture helps new roots get established.
Once the first two weeks pass, ask the farm how to shift to a long-term watering plan for your site.
Fertilizing through the seasons
Feed the palm in spring, summer and early fall. Use a slow-release fertilizer that includes manganese, magnesium, potassium, iron and copper sulfates. Always follow the label directions for amounts and timing. Guessing can stress the palm.
Avoid heavy feeding right after planting. Give the palm time to settle before the first full feeding.
Sizes and grades
Palms are sold by size and grade. Overall height is the full height from the ground to the top of the palm. Clear trunk is the bare trunk below the fronds. Sizes run from 7 feet overall height up to 9 feet of clear trunk. Some specimens are over 20 feet overall height.
Grades include specimen and Florida Fancy. Ask which grade matches your site and your design goals. Knowing the grade helps you plan the look you want.
Visiting the farm before planting
Customers can visit the farm, walk the rows and pick the exact palm. Call ahead before you come. Seeing the palm in person helps you check size, trunk and overall shape. Jerry meets customers in the field, so you can ask questions as you walk.
Delivery day
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. Have clear access ready for the trailer or flatbed.
Delivery price is not published. Call with your planting address to request a quote. Give the crew the details they need so the drop-off goes smoothly.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting to dig the hole until the palm is already on site
- Burying the trunk during planting
- Removing the root wrap too early
- Letting the root ball dry out during a wait
- Skipping the first two weeks of watering
Vero Beach and Indian River County
Sylvestris Tree Farms grows Sylvester palms in the field in Vero Beach, FL. Our palms are not containerized. Learn more about delivery and planting before your palm arrives, so you know what to expect on the day.
Families and growers in Indian River County can plan ahead with the same steps. Good prep makes the difference, whether the palm is planted right away or after a short wait.
Plan your palm delivery
A clear plan helps your palm settle in well. Check the site, the hole and the watering schedule before the delivery date. Keep the root wrap on until planting.
Ready to plan delivery or ask about the next steps? Call Sylvestris Tree Farms at 772-778-3006 with your planting address to request a quote. Our team can talk through timing, sizing and planting with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my palm arrives before I can plant it?
Plant it as soon as you can. If you must wait, keep the root wrap on and set the palm in a shady, well-ventilated spot. Check the root ball often so it does not dry out.
How big should the planting hole be?
Dig the hole about twice as wide as the root ball, but only as deep as the palm was grown. Never bury the trunk when you plant.
How often should I water a newly planted Sylvester palm?
Water daily or every other day for the first two weeks. Check the soil before each watering and adjust for rain.
How do I get a quote for delivery?
Call Sylvestris Tree Farms at 772-778-3006 with your planting address. Delivery price is not published, so the farm will give you a quote for your site.