Have you planted Palm Trees in your yard in Northern VA? (Alexandria: homes, live)

[Dingler]

On Duke Street in Alexandria in Northern VA a restaurant has been planting Palm Trees in front of their building every year. These are not just sitting in a planter but are actually in the soil and expected to grow like any other tree. I have been watching the trees every year to see if they die from the few real cold nights we have here in January or February. Some years the trees turn brown and die but other milder years they live and continue to thrive until the next summer.

I may try to plant some hardy Palm Trees in my yard if other people have been successful. What do you think about Palm Trees in Virginia?

[Tish Thompson]

I didn't think it was possible for palms to survive outside in VA. I have seen them inside homes believe it or not...but I almost feel like it's mean to plant a palm here.

[Moth]

I may try to plant some hardy Palm Trees in my yard if other people have been successful. What do you think about Palm Trees in Virginia?

It is quite possible if you choose the correct cold hardy palms. You are not going to grow a lush date palm or coconut palm in your yard.

But if you go with Chusan (Windmill) Palms or Sabal Minors, you can do it. I am over in DC, but have had three Chusans growing outside for close to 6 years now. I first noticed them in alpine areas of Italy and other areas of Europe that experienced frosts and snow. They come from mountainous areas of China and can thus withstand the cold.

There is a thread in the Connecticut folders about this. Plenty of info on Google. PM me if you like.

[Nancy in Nokomis]

Funny - my 4 yr old son keeps asking me the same question.

I think he must have saw some while we were driving around. I think you might have to wrap them up in burlap during the winter.

[Moth]

I first give them a heavy layer of mulsh around the base. Then I encircle them with that green, plastic mesh you get at garden centers. Finally, I fill the mesh up with dry leaves.

Each year I use less and less protection. I also wait longer to protect them and take down the protection sooner so they can adjust.

At this point, I think they can stand on their own during the winter, but I have so much invested that I am paranoid.