How close to a wall should you plant?

[smithgn]

This seems like a simple question due to the fact that all you'd need to consider is the spread of the palm tree you're planting... Yet, I'm wondering how close to a wall should you plant if you want your palm to feel the effects of a microclimate?

For example, my robusta is planted 4 and a half feet away from the wall of my house that faces the south. In late afternoons, I can clearly feel the heat being dispersed from the bricks as it starts to cool outside. I'm now wondering if my robusta will feel the effects of this, come fall and winter?

For added help, I've put red rocks (not lava rocks) around the base of my robusta. Should this help also? Or are the effects neglible? What all have you done to protect your palms during the winter? It's never too early to start planning, I've found out...

[DoomsDave]

This is a very profound question, and I'm not mocking.

There are many variables. I face the same issues, albeit with different palms.

Abe Lincoln once said that a man's legs ought to be long enough to reach the ground, which obscures more than reveals.

Sounds like you've made a great start, not that I or anyone will have your answer.

For starters, it shouldn't be so close it knocks the wall over. Elementary, but you'd be surprised at how often that's hard to predict.

To me, sounds like you're reasonably good. I'm sure others will weigh in.

[Alicehunter2000]

Four foot sounds good....You will definitely get some microclimate effects. This winter take some temperature readings to find out how much. I would think 5 degrees warmer offhand.

[smithgn]

This is a very profound question, and I'm not mocking.

There are many variables. I face the same issues, albeit with different palms.

Abe Lincoln once said that a man's legs ought to be long enough to reach the ground, which obscures more than reveals.

Sounds like you've made a great start, not that I or anyone will have your answer.

For starters, it shouldn't be so close it knocks the wall over. Elementary, but you'd be surprised at how often that's hard to predict.

To me, sounds like you're reasonably good. I'm sure others will weigh in.

Thanks. Yes, it's a simple idea but relatively obscure of how to measure the results. But yeah, I think I'm okay for the winter time- maybe throw in a frost cloth and I'll be fine.

Four foot sounds good....You will definitely get some microclimate effects. This winter take some temperature readings to find out how much. I would think 5 degrees warmer offhand.

Awesome. I actually just purchased a cheapo infrared thermometer. I think the biggest factor is the blockage of any northern winds. Some of those windy winter days and nights this past winter really put my poor palms at a disadvantage.

[_Keith]

Here is a simple way to calculate. Dead palm = too far. Live palm = close enough.

[smithgn]

Here is a simple way to calculate. Dead palm = too far. Live palm = close enough.

Perhaps I should adopt a simpler thinking like this; I get too scientific with my palms at times with all the gadgets and theories... Haha