Transplant smaller Sabal Palmettos?

[JohnT]

Hi everyone, I recently came across a person who lives nearby who is giving away the below palms for free. They are basically seeds from much larger palms on the property. Do you think it’s worth the effort of transplanting them? Will I have to remove all the leaves on them? In the past, any time I have done transplants for trees, I have used this product below to help with root restoration and it’s worked every time. Thank you 

[Chester B]

I have read or heard from people on here that 4' of trunk or more is the size you really want to move them at.  Below that the chances of success drop quite a bit.  I've not moved a Sabal this size so I will let others share their experiences.  Typically they remove most of the fronds to let them regrow the roots.  It will likely take 2-3 years after transplanting if successful for them to regain their full canopy.

It all boils down to if you want to try, you have nothing to lose but time.  However I bet those are heavier than they look.

[Las Palmas Norte]

6 hours ago, Chester B said:

... However I bet those are heavier than they look.

A boom truck is what makes moving and placing them in a new location much easier.

[PAPalmtrees]

6 hours ago, JohnT said:

Hi everyone, I recently came across a person who lives nearby who is giving away the below palms for free. They are basically seeds from much larger palms on the property. Do you think it’s worth the effort of transplanting them? Will I have to remove all the leaves on them? In the past, any time I have done transplants for trees, I have used this product below to help with root restoration and it’s worked every time. Thank you 

Make sure you dig deep and try and get as much roots as you can, when you're done cut off all of the leaves except the center spear and when you plant them make sure you drown them every day with water

[JLM]

Those palms are too small to transplant with much success without the transplant process likely taking several months. When sabal palmetto roots are cut, they do not branch from that cut point, the entire root dies back. New roots have to grow from the root initiation zone to replace the cut ones. It’ll be quite hard to move these palms without damaging too many roots. The growing point is also likely still underground, and you would need to be extremely careful to not damage it, or else the palms die. It really may not be worth the trouble unless you’re invested.

[JohnT]

Thanks everyone for your input on this. I’ve decided against it. It’s a shame that sabals are such a hassle to transplant….