newtopalmsMD 48 Report post Posted June 1 I planted this trachy Nainital in summer of 2019. It was a 7 gallon tree, but sent through the mail with not that much dirt. The hastas were planted at the same time. Over the last three years the trachy has generated a few new fronds per summer but almost no new height. But I can't say the same for the hastas. So my question is am I in danger of the hastas choking out the trachy? Should I cut back on the leaves of the hastas? The hastas have spread to within a foot or so of the trunk. If I dig up the hastas, would I disturb the roots of the trachy? Zone 7a Thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Las Palmas Norte 542 Report post Posted June 1 When I read the title I wondered what "hasta" was until I saw the Hosta. I'd deal with the Hosta now before they take over, which they've already started doing. Just be cautious when uprooting the Hosta. You can leave them alone if you choose that route. Me?, I'd relocate the shade loving Hosta. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Allen 1,347 Report post Posted June 1 Definitely get rid of/move that closest Hosta and try not to damage palm roots. Most Trachy roots are within 18" from trunk. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chester B 3,124 Report post Posted June 1 (edited) You can also divide the Hosta and remove the half closest to the palm and replant the other half elsewhere. Edited June 1 by Chester B Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GregVirginia7 379 Report post Posted June 1 Yes…Hostas have a pretty dense root zone which may have a negative effect on the palm’s roots and crowd them out…I’d get a hand shovel and remove the Hosta in pieces that can be transplanted elsewhere while being careful not to damage the palm roots too much. Best time to divide the Hosta is in the spring when the shoots begin to emerge…but they can be moved anytime. They just look better when divided in the spring before those big leaves form. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
newtopalmsMD 48 Report post Posted June 23 I gave it a try last night. I dug up the Hosta from the side opposite the trachy's trunk, continued to dig under the hosta and pulled the very large root ball out. It left a hole that started maybe 10 inches from the trunk of the trachy. I cant imagine I did not disturb the roots near the hosta I removed. I filled the hole with miracle-gro garden soil and mulch over that. And watered a lot. We got a good rain tonight (June near DC). anything I should do to encourage root regrowth? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Manalto 751 Report post Posted June 23 (edited) Not to put too fine a point on it, but there's no need to capitalize hosta, unless it's what you've named your plant (as opposed to "Buddy" or "Slug Candy" for example), if it's the first word in a sentence, or if you're referring to the botanical name, in which case it would also be italicized, Hosta. You're welcome, Mr. Webster Edited June 23 by Manalto 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
newtopalmsMD 48 Report post Posted June 23 I thought since it was such a big plant it deserved a capital H 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chester B 3,124 Report post Posted June 23 Your palm will be fine, I dig around mine all the time and sever roots now and then. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DAVEinMB 2,014 Report post Posted June 24 13 hours ago, newtopalmsMD said: I thought since it was such a big plant it deserved a capital H Gold Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Manalto 751 Report post Posted June 24 (edited) 13 hours ago, newtopalmsMD said: I thought since it was such a big plant it deserved a capital H LOL - and a theme song: "Hasta La Hosta" Edited June 24 by Manalto Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites