Moving Allagoptera arenaria and Pseudophoenix sargentii

[Justin P]

About 10 years ago I planted quite a few 3 gallon palms in my back yard. I recently moved two of them - both Thrinax radiatas. I discussed that move in this post.

 

 

I'm now considering moving two more palms (and a tree) and was looking for some feedback from the Palm Talk community.

 

The first palm I am considering moving is an Allagoptera arenaria. I really like this palm and have enjoyed watching it grow over the years. Unfortunately, I did not properly anticipate its growth habit. It has developed four trunks which are at a 45 degree angle to my screen patio. Here is a close up of the trunks:

 

 

This isn't a very good photo because it was taken early morning, but here is the view of the palm from my screen patio (looking west):

 

I would like to move the Allagoptera arenaria to the south side of my yard for three reasons:

• The palm will provide a nice focal point in the new position, as well as contrast to the Copernicia macroglossa
• I can properly align the four trunks of the palm along the fence which borders the south end of my yard
• I can move my Pseudophoenix sargentii to the spot where the Allagoptera arenaria was previously located, which will allow me to more easily plant a uniform shrub under the palms along the west end of my screen patio

 

Here is the approximate spot I would like to move the Allagoptera arenaria from two perspectives. The first perspective is looking south from my screen patio:

 

Here is the second perspective, looking west from the south end of my yard:

 

I apologize for the rough mock-ups which were prepared using Microsoft Paint.

 

My questions:

• Do you have any tips for moving an Allagoptera arenaria?
• Will the palm do well in the new position?

[Justin P]

Secondly, I would like to move this Pseudophoenix sargentii to the current location of the Allagoptera arenaria:

 

I'm sorry for the poor photo, which was taken through the screen door.

 

My questions:

• Do you have any tips for moving a Pseudophoenix sargentii?
• I'm pretty sure it would, but do you think the palm will do well in the new position?

[Justin P]

Lastly, and if I shouldn't have posted this here please let me know and I'll delete this, but can anyone share thoughts on moving a Magnolia grandiflora? I would to move this tree approximately 15' to the north east:

 

Thank you for feedback! I have used feedback from this community for years and I really appreciate it.

 

Best regards,

Justin

[Keith N Tampa (ex SoJax)]

Allagoptera is probably going to detest being moved.  Ken Johnson has said its like moving Serenoa repens, tough.  If it dies, just get a new one and help the Palm growing nurseries.  Pseudophoenix, I don't know.  The Magnolia is a bit rangy already making me think it's roots are compromised in some way.  It won't like the soil/sand falling off the roots.  Keep it well watered after the move attempt.  Don't be surprised if it karks too but at least it's easy to find a replacement.  

[quaman58]

I gave away a very large Allagoptera this past winter; like yours, it was proving to be a much more sizable palm than I'd anticipated. I got an email from him (Josh-o, actually) who said that he was afraid he'd killed it, as it had lost most all of it's leaves following the transplant. But he said that all the stems had begun growing again, albeit with smaller leaves. So it sounds like it does indeed detest being moved, but with enough rootball, can make a comeback.

[Josh-O]

32 minutes ago, quaman58 said:

I gave away a very large Allagoptera this past winter; like yours, it was proving to be a much more sizable palm than I'd anticipated. I got an email from him (Josh-o, actually) who said that he was afraid he'd killed it, as it had lost most all of it's leaves following the transplant. But he said that all the stems had begun growing again, albeit with smaller leaves. So it sounds like it does indeed detest being moved, but with enough rootball, can make a comeback.

Bret, I just say your baby last week at the Vista garden. it Roaring back with vengeance.. lol

Justin, they take a big hit but bounce back in no time.

[TexasColdHardyPalms]

I dug a 7' OA Allagoptera back in June out of pure sand which left the palm with basically zero rootball by the time i got it out. I removed 50% of the leaves while digging it and then potted it up in a 25g. I marked the spear and left the fronds tied up for the last 3 months and it resumed growth on all three trunks about two weeks ago. It has been on a constant drip and very well irrigated the entire time under 30% shadecloth. To date i have lost zero foliage and I'm looking forward to planting it out next year. I have been very happy with the sucess of this Allogoptera.  

[Keith N Tampa (ex SoJax)]

Great to hear of two successful Allagoptera moves!  We have 3 here in the middle of FL. And I really like them.  I know where to get a couple more if needed.  I hope none of them ever require a Relo, but if they do, here's my plan:. Dig during the rainy season and keep them well watered and shaded a bit while they recover.  

[Justin P]

Are there any opinions on moving the palm this time of year?

Any thoughts on moving the P. sargentii in general and this time of the year?

[TexasColdHardyPalms]

Being in Port Saint Lucie (solid 10A), I think you could move the Allogoptera now. I wouldn't chance it in a 9A or even 9B at this time of year.

[Zeeth]

4 hours ago, Justin P said:

Are there any opinions on moving the palm this time of year?

Any thoughts on moving the P. sargentii in general and this time of the year?

Are you in a big hurry? You might have more success if you move them at the beginning of the growing season, not the end. Something like 40˚ won't hurt either of those palms normally, but it won't help them trying to grow new roots to get re-established. 

[Alicehunter2000]

Good ol Palmtalk with great info. About to move a small Allogoptera....will try to remember to post some pics.