Pygmy Palms near pool in AZ

[Hubs]

In process of building inground pool here in AZ.  Have a space between water line and back wall of about 6' and wondering if that is enough space to plant a couple of pygmy palms or is that too close to wall and or water line?  Also, are these messy when it comes to debris in the pool to be cleaned out regularly?  Thanks!

[ck_in_fla]

It depends on where, in AZ, you are located.

I assume you are referring to pygmy date palms.  I am sure there are locations within the state of Arizona where these will not survive.

[aztropic]

Plant away. Palm roots will confirm to any surrounding objects and won't break the concrete as palm roots expand very little in diameter, unlike other trees.

Not messy at all. Start small. People generally let them grow to about 4 ft tall around pools,then rip them out and start over.

 

aztropic

Mesa,Arizona.

[Little Tex]

Then again, unless your in Phoenix or Tuscon Metro area they might not make the first winter

[Looking Glass]

Generally you can put these very close to walls, fences and other objects.  The tend to just grow away and lean outward, especially if planted as multiples.  Palm roots are relatively friendly was mentioned above.  These do have pretty long, sharp spines near the leaf bases though.   Keep that in mind around pools, walkways, kids and guests.  Date family palms can cause some serious injuries.   

Wether or not  they survive in your area is another matter….   I kind of think of Chamaerops humilis as a very similar palm in its physical characteristics.  Has that wandering trunk with a bushy top.  It’s much slower, but much more cold and drought tolerant.  That might be a candidate also.   But I’m more of a “plant down one zone” rather than a “zone pusher”.  

Neither palm drops much debris.   

Edited March 3, 2023 by Looking Glass