South Coast Growers, Inc.

All South Coast Growers palms are inspected prior to being sold and are shipped from California insuring they do not have Lethal Yellowing disease. For more information on this diseases please contact your sales rep and they will give you more information.

All Phoenix dactyliferas must be planted at or slightly above original grade, no exceptions. Care must be taken not to cover the root initiation zone (typically where the soil and the trunk interface) This includes capping with soil or turf or the planting of flowers or plants on top of the root ball. The objective is to leave the original root ball undisturbed. A 2 inch layer of course mulch or Pine Bark is acceptable. There has been some research that shows planting dactyliferas below grade is not detrimental to the tree. This would only work in a raised planting area such as a berm or hill to make sure the root ball does not stay wet.

The following information is provided as a guideline only. All plantings will be different and require individual attention.

Planting guidelines: When planting a Phoenix dactylifera, you must take your time and think about everything before you try to accomplish this. You will want to plant the tree in an area that will not have standing water and is well drained. Measure the root ball and dig your hole so that the tree will be slightly higher then the existing grade when you are done. Depending on the drainage situation you may need to incorporate a well point drain system. (Ask Sales rep for information on this) After the tree is set in the spot it is going to be, back fill and WATER the tree in. We recommend the use of a product such as the “Root Irrigator” for watering in and setting the tree. By using a watering tool such as this you can get the air pockets out of the root ball and reduce the risk of shock to the tree and securely plant it.

Planting guidelines: When planting a Phoenix dactylifera, you must take your time and think about everything before you try to accomplish this. You will want to plant the tree in an area that will not have standing water and is well drained. Measure the root ball and dig your hole so that the tree will be slightly higher then the existing grade when you are done. Depending on the drainage situation you may need to incorporate a well point drain system. (Ask Sales rep for information on this) After the tree is set in the spot it is going to be, back fill and WATER the tree in. We recommend the use of a product such as the “Root Irrigator” for watering in and setting the tree. By using a watering tool such as this you can get the air pockets out of the root ball and reduce the risk of shock to the tree and securely plant it.

Watering Guidelines: Sufficient water shall be applied to thoroughly soak the entire root ball and surrounding back fill every other day for the first 2 weeks. After the first two weeks watering can be done every 4-5 days depending on the moisture in the soil. After 4-6 weeks watering only when the soil is dry 8-14 inches below grade should water be applied. Tree should be rooted enough in 8-10 weeks to cut watering down to once a week. After the tree is established which is normally around 12-14 weeks scheduled watering is finished. Make sure that no other water source, i.e. Drip heads, sprinklers, affect the tree. Regular rain fall is more then enough for the Date Palm to survive. Please keep in mind these are only guidelines and every installation is different and requires knowledge about the surrounding conditions. It is your responsibility to monitor soil moisture content on a weekly basis and make adjustments as needed.

Preventative Measures: With the possibility of fungus setting in during the watering phase of the installation we recommend two soil drenches with a broad spectrum fungicide. We have used Cleary’s 3336 and Subdue with good results.

Not 100% sure about the installation?

Onsite consultation is available if you need help with the installation of your tree.

Onsite consultation is available if you need help with the installation of your tree.