My Arcontophoenix Triplet Tipping Over

[Avantgardener]

I noticed yesterday that the large palm of one of my Arcontophoenix triplets tipped over. The palm was about 12' tall.  It wasn't an especially windy day in North San Diego County, but I did notice that some of the roots on this triplet were exposed. Any suggestions on propping it back up and out of the garden path without tearing the roots further or killing it?  I actually wouldn't mind if I could leave it partially leaning and let it arch.  I just need to get it out of the walking path.  I was thinking of a couple of people lifting and then adding a double brace.

[Chris Chance]

You could try to prop it up a bit and add some soil to encourage new root growth. Maybe it will stabilize itself in time.

[Billeb]

Ouch. I’m thinking 33% of that plant doesn’t look good for the future. I hope it will recover. As @Chris Chance said above, I’d attempt to just prop it up and hope no more damage occurs. Good luck 

[Jim in Los Altos]

Apparently it was planted too high from the start which prevented full rooting at the palm’s bases as well as that tapering of the trunk’s bases. Carefully and slowly lift the fallen trunk and brace it below with something sturdy. As you said, leaving it at an angle will allow it curve upward. Get those exposed roots covered with soil and even the trunk bases so they stay moist and new stronger roots can form. Water the heck out of them as well. They need lots of it and often. Below is a photo of typical Archontophoenix palms in my yard. I have groves of them. The bases are almost Roystonea fat. Heavy watering and no exposed roots or trunk bases. The trunk rings are over 12” apart. 

Edited May 2, 2021 by Jim in Los Altos

[enigma99]

Whoa Jim. Didn’t know they could get so fat. 

[Avantgardener]

I added this support system and four buckets of soil over the exposed roots.  Fingers crossed.  Should I give some Epsom salts or anything help with the traumatized roots?

[shminbabe]

That looks like a good start at propping that beauty!  Please keep us posted. I just planted my first Archontophoenix Alexandre and Cunninghamiana.  They are such gorgeous palms.  

 

[Jim in Los Altos]

On 5/2/2021 at 11:47 PM, enigma99 said:

Whoa Jim. Didn’t know they could get so fat. 

I have a couple even fatter! These are ‘Illawarra’ in case that’s part of the reason for being fatter. They have grown exceptionally fast compared to regular cunninghamiana. 

[Jim in Los Altos]

14 hours ago, shminbabe said:

That looks like a good start at propping that beauty!  Please keep us posted. I just planted my first Archontophoenix Alexandre and Cunninghamiana.  They are such gorgeous palms.  

 

 

14 hours ago, Avantgardener said:

I added this support system and four buckets of soil over the exposed roots.  Fingers crossed.  Should I give some Epsom salts or anything help with the traumatized roots?

Looks good. I don’t see the new soil. Is the photo from before you added the soil? 

[Avantgardener]

With the help of about five guys who were pruning the trees we were able to get the palm to about it’s original angle.  I have piled about four wheelbarrow loads of soil onto it.  Anyone know how many years I need to leave up those supporting struts?

[Merlyn]

I'm not sure how long it will take to root back in, but here is a good article on mounding and the correct planting depth.  Your archie was definitely "air girdled" by being planted too high.  About halfway down he has a photo of an Alexandrae that is air girdled like yours:

http://www.marriedtoplants.com/palms/palm-tree-growing-tips-mounding/

[Avantgardener]

Thanks for sharing  this.