Free Pygmy Date Palms (8 total, in pairs)

[iDesign]

Four pairs of healthy Phoenix roebellini / Pygmy Date palms (8 palms total) currently have a date with a chainsaw. 😢

Thought I’d offer them here in case someone wants to rescue them. I’m in Carlsbad (North San Diego County). Another palmtalker was interested, but the logistics didn’t work out.

These are mature palms, already planted when we bought the house in 2007. They were transplanted once many years ago (from backyard to front), so digging *might* be a little easier than if they’d never been moved—but they’ve been in place for a while, so not sure on that one.

The deal: You do the digging. My husband can help move them to your truck, and the smaller plants around them would be removed in advance for easier access.

Hard to get a good pic, but here’s a few of them. There are 8 total, in pairs of 2…

And here’s a ChatGPT interpretation of them in early March if no interest…

It’s a bit sad to cut healthy palms, but something’s got to give to make room for the more exotic stuff. PM if interested in them.

[Josue Diaz]

On 2/11/2026 at 12:59 PM, iDesign said:

 

 

It’s a bit sad to cut healthy palms, but something’s got to give to make room for the more exotic stuff. PM if interested in them.

I just gave away a butia, and am coming to terms with cutting a second one down - this one doesn't have as easy access for stomping around and digging, so chainsaw is the only option. It's the only way to make space for more exciting palms. Hopefully yours find takers!

[iDesign]

I actually found a taker!!!

A legit Palm reseller here in San Diego wants them. He took a look at them last week, and is coming Thursday to haul ‘em away!

I shouldn’t be so sentimental, but it feels great to know they’ll be saved. 🥹

Better yet, the root ball will be removed, so adding their (more exotic) replacements will be a little easier. Yay! 🎉

[iDesign]

He sent this screenshot of his trailer. Looks like that will fit them no problem. 👍

[iDesign]

Mission accomplished!

The truck ended up being particularly helpful for pulling, and they slid pretty well over cardboard boxes my husband put down (see video).

Hopefully the palms will find a great new home. Either way, I’m excited about the additional planting beds that just opened up!

 

[Harry’s Palms]

That’s awesome Stacy! Right after I moved to this house in 1997 someone walking by noticed all the palms I was planting from our old house . He said he had some “prickly” type palms on the side of his house that he was gonna cut down but if I wanted them I could take them . They had about 2’ of trunk , two together. I literally had to get on my butt and dig as the slope was so steep . Lost a lot of the roots but managed to get them home . They didn’t even flinch , started growing almost immediately. Those will make someone happy in their new home. Harry

Here they are now , greeting me as I come through my gate on the side of our house. I think of that day , 29 years ago , digging them up and dragging them UPHILL to my little Toyota pick up. When they get tall , no “prickly “ , it’s all overhead! Harry