Best Species of Palm Tree Between Driveways

[kleeCHS]

Hi everyone - I live in Charleston, South Carolina, USA. Our house is very close to the ocean. I'd like to plant a palm tree in front of our house between two driveways. The area where the tree will be planted has sandy soil and measures 8'x10'. Please find attached a picture of the location marked with an arrow. I'm looking for a palm tree that will thrive in this climate, won't grow taller than 12 feet or so (don't want it to block the view of the house seen straight on), and won't spread its fronds into the driveways. Is there a species that fits these criteria? Based on my research, the closest match is a Pindo palm, but I want to make sure I'm not missing a better candidate. I also like the look of the Sylvester palm, but I believe it will grow too tall and spread too wide for this relatively narrow area.

Thank you for your advice!

-Kyle

[Fusca]

2 hours ago, kleeCHS said:

Hi everyone - I live in Charleston, South Carolina, USA. Our house is very close to the ocean. I'd like to plant a palm tree in front of our house between two driveways. The area where the tree will be planted has sandy soil and measures 8'x10'. Please find attached a picture of the location marked with an arrow. I'm looking for a palm tree that will thrive in this climate, won't grow taller than 12 feet or so (don't want it to block the view of the house seen straight on), and won't spread its fronds into the driveways. Is there a species that fits these criteria? Based on my research, the closest match is a Pindo palm, but I want to make sure I'm not missing a better candidate. I also like the look of the Sylvester palm, but I believe it will grow too tall and spread too wide for this relatively narrow area.

Thank you for your advice!

-Kyle

A couple of options are Arenga engleri for a pinnate palm and Chamaerops humilis for a palmate palm.  Both are clustering and their width can be controlled by trimming the suckers.  Both typically stay below 12' in height.  Arenga typically does better with overhead canopy both for shade and frost protection but it's pretty hardy to cold.  Chamaerops handles full sun better but it does have petiole thorns.  Sabal minor 'Louisiana' is another possibility for a palmate palm with no thorns.

[bubba]

I think you could make a real statement with a Mule. Beautiful house!

[Harry’s Palms]

I would say that a trunk less Sabal maybe or a very slow growing like a Butia but eventually it will be in your view (Butia). Arenga Engleri can take full sun here in Southern California and stay well below your sight line when grown in the sun. I’m not sure a Triangle palm would grow there but it would take many years before it would be any problem . Even when tall they have a very uprite frond so it would not really take up the view.  Another one which I’m pretty sure would do well is a Trachycarpus (windmill palm). HarryThis Windmill is about 10 years old from a baby.Triangle palm about 25 years from a 1 gallon it is about 20’ or so to the top but you can see how the fronds are not a huge canopy

[SeanK]

I think your winters are warm enough for the Arenga engleri. The Chamaerops would work or if you want to get attention, the mule (Butia x Syagrus). The rest of those plants should be removed. 

[Lou-StAugFL]

I think a Trachycarpus (windmill palm) would stay in scale for a longer time and not get in the way of vehicles.  So many others will grow into the driveway.  Just not sure about salt tolerance.