Sylvestris Tree Farms grades its Sylvester palms as specimen or Florida Fancy. The grade tells you how the palm looks, including its trunk, its fronds, and how it is presented. Matching the grade to the spot you have in mind helps you pick the right palm the first time.
Why Palms Are Graded
Two palms can look similar in a photo and still be very different in person. A grade gives buyers a common way to compare them. It helps you talk about the palm before you visit the farm, and it helps you explain what you want when you call.
Grades describe appearance and form. They do not replace a visit. When you walk the rows, look at the palm itself and check whether it matches what you need.
What the Specimen Grade Means
Specimen palms are a good fit when one palm should be the focal point. Think of an entry drive, a front corner, or a single feature in a yard. A specimen palm draws the eye, so trunk and crown matter most.
When you choose a specimen, look closely at the trunk and how the fronds sit above it. A single standout palm should look balanced from every side. Ask the farm to show you the palm from more than one angle before you decide.
What the Florida Fancy Grade Means
Many buyers use the Florida Fancy grade when several palms need to work together. Lines along a drive, groupings near a pool, or a row along a property edge all benefit from palms that match well. Consistency across the group often matters more than one dramatic palm.
If you plan to plant more than one palm, decide whether they should look alike. A matched set takes a little more care when you choose, and it is worth the time.
Trunk Form: What to Look For
The trunk is the backbone of the palm. Look at its straightness, its taper, and how much clear trunk the palm shows. Sizes run from 7 feet overall height up to 9 feet of clear trunk. Some specimens are over 20 feet overall height, which changes the look of a yard.
A trunk that is straight and well proportioned makes the whole palm easier to place. Check how the trunk meets the ground, and ask how the palm was grown in the field.
Frond Symmetry and Presentation
A balanced crown has fronds that spread evenly around the top of the trunk. A crown that is crowded on one side or sparse on the other can look off, even if the trunk is perfect. Presentation covers how the palm is prepared for the trip and how it looks when it arrives.
Ask how the palm will be wrapped and loaded for delivery. A well-prepared palm is easier to plant and easier to inspect when it lands at your site.
Matching the Grade to Your Project
Start with the job. Where will the palm sit, and who will see it first? Is it a single feature or part of a row? How many palms do you need, and do they need to match each other? Those answers point toward the right grade.
Bring a simple sketch of the site to your call. Note the spot, the nearby structures, and any overhead lines. The farm can help you match the grade and the size to the space.
Visiting the Farm to Pick Your Own Palm
Visiting is the best way to choose. Walk the rows, see each palm, and pick the exact one you want. Owner Jerry meets customers in the field, so you can ask questions about the palms as you look at them. Customers can visit the farm, but call ahead before you come.
Browse our gallery to see palms in different sizes and grades. Photos help you narrow the list, but nothing replaces seeing the trunk and crown in person.
Delivery and Planting Basics
Delivery is available for every order. The crew root-wraps the palm in the field, loads it onto a trailer or flatbed with a loader, and delivers it to the site. Plant as soon as possible after delivery. If planting must wait, keep the root wrap on and place the palm in a shady, well-ventilated spot.
When you plant, dig the hole about twice as wide as the root ball but only as deep as the palm was grown. Never bury the trunk. Backfill with a soil and gravel mix, pack out air pockets, build a soil dam, and soak the area fully. Water daily or every other day for the first two weeks.
In the growing season, fertilize in spring, summer, and early fall with a slow-release fertilizer. Look for one that contains manganese, magnesium, potassium, iron, and copper sulfates. Follow the product label for the rate and timing.
What the Farm Says About Care
The farm describes the Sylvester palm as cold-hardy, disease and pest resistant, wind tolerant, and low maintenance once it is established. Those traits are useful to know when you plan a Florida yard, but every site is different. Good planting and steady early watering still matter most.
Questions to Ask Before You Choose
- Which grade fits the spot I have in mind?
- What sizes are available for my site?
- How will the palm be wrapped and delivered?
- How soon should I plant after delivery?
- What fertilizer and watering schedule do you recommend?
Request a Quote for Your Palms
Choosing the right grade starts with a clear idea of the project. Our date palms are field-grown in Vero Beach, not containerized, and every order includes delivery. We can help you match the palm to the spot and the size you need.
Delivery price is not published, so call 772-778-3006 with the planting address for a quote. Tell us how many palms you need and which grade you are considering. We look forward to helping you choose the right palm for your Vero Beach or Indian River County project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between specimen and Florida Fancy?
Specimen is usually chosen for a standout focal point. Florida Fancy is often chosen when several palms should look alike. Both grades describe trunk form, frond balance, and presentation.
How do I choose the right size?
Sizes run from 7 feet overall height up to 9 feet of clear trunk, and some specimens are over 20 feet overall. Match the size to the space and the view from the house.
Can I pick the palm myself?
Yes. You can visit the farm, walk the rows, and pick the exact palm. Call ahead before you come.
How do I get a price for delivery?
Delivery price is not published. Call 772-778-3006 with the planting address to request a quote.