Growing palms in grass and root development

[surfermatt]

Hi everyone, 

 

Not much of a poster but love the forum and research it extensively. 
 

I had a question regarding growing palms in or directly next to grass where the roots will significantly develop into the grass. Currently this grass is watered via sprinklers on top. I know this isn’t recommended but they are strong growers for my climate, I like the look, and I have kids who like grass currently. 
 

My question is as the garden evolves I plan to shrink the grass area around the palms and would be removing the grass around them be possible without damaging the roots of the palms? 
 

sorry for the likely dumb question, I just don’t want to run into an issue down the line once the palms have some size and momentum. I could also switch to netafim subsurface drip in the grass now and burry it 4-6” and maybe that would help since my palms there are not yet established. 
 

Thank you. 

[westfork]

I would think that by just killing the grass you don't have to worry about messing with the palm roots.   If you don't care for chemicals, then something as simple as a landscape fabric which blocks light but lets moisture through would work.

[96720]

I’m not in your area but I grow palms in grass with no problems and I also use sprinklers. Palms like grass are monocots I think some people worry more about palm roots than they should!!

[sonoranfans]

Some palms dont want frequent water as they grow deep roots and prefer an oxygen rich soil.  Other palms wouldnt mind being wet most of the time.  I would argue that growing a large palm like bismarckia or beccariophoenix sp with a big crown that can catch wind is best done by ensuring a deep dry cycle so roots will grow down there.  Roorsa will grow where the water cycle is consistent and optimal.  This means that drippers in high drainage soil will not grow as large root systems as microsprayers.  I defer any species recommendations to your local are Socal palmtalkers.