Beccariophoenix Alfredii rooting

[Linescreamer]

I have 2 of these that are having trouble in the wind. Any suggestions on getting them to root deeper so I don’t have to stake them?

[sonoranfans]

I think if your roots are not developed and the palms are this size, you will need to keep the straps.  You might be able to stimulate root development by using humic acid on the area.  ALso frequent watering of the grass may inhibit root development and do not use grass fertilizer around palms.  The Ca to Mg ratio of grass fertilizer is about 10:1 and palm food is 3:1.  Too much calcium: magnesium will stunt growth by causing Mg deficiency.  This is a tough palm to plant as a large specimen as they grow large crowns that are like sails in the wind.  Also root growth will be somewhat stunted by nearby pavement that could limit the dry cycle(pavers are better than concrete though as at least the ground can breathe).  You could try to stimulate root growth below the pavers with the humic acid, though rinse well as it can stain if left on to dry.  Those are good looking palms, if big winds come your way I would trim a few leaves off before it hits even with the straps on.  Those straps have a radius of 4 foot or so for leverage.  The opposing forces of wind will have a larger leverage than 4'. 

You may ask why humic acid?  Humic acid is the final decomposition product of mulch and conditions the soil for beneficial microbes that will support root growth.

I cant find the link for "natureslawn" probably were bought out.

 

This would work sounds the same as kelp was also in their product.  This is a concentrate, makes many gallons.  I'd use it only on palms so it lasts as it is somewhat expensive.  

https://www.amazon.com/Natures-Way-Soil-Conditioner-Stimulator/dp/B0FFZRM6BD?th=1

[PalmatierMeg]

Stake them now and leave stakes until they stabilize. I lost one just fixing to trunk to Hurricane Irma (cat 3/4) in 2017. The winds ripped the palm right off its growing plate - instant death. Very top heavy palm and I won't plant it again

[Linescreamer]

Thank you for your help.  How far back can I cut these? Can I only cut the fronds were they attach to the trunk or is there a better way?

[sonoranfans]

I'd take only take 3 of the oldest leaves off of each palm only if a big wind is forecast(70+ mph) to hit your place.   I'd keep the stakes in for another 2 years at least.  Then it should stabilize if you water liberally over a wide area around the trunks.   If they are planted in sand, they may never stabilize in wind.   Mine are in sand/clay mix that allows good root development.  Sandy soil is terrible for root development with many palms.    Mine were good to 110mph in Milton as mature palms but the leaf stems will bend and they will not straighten out.  These palms, and many others will not take cat 3 hurricane winds. 

here is a pic of what Milton did to my(smallest) most damaged alfredii, all leaves were bent down.  I left them on as long as they were green and the palms has grown 7 new leaves in one growing season.  There was zero tilting or visible root damage

Milton flattened every street sign in my neighborhood like this breaking the metal posts.

 

  the bent leaves are largely still green so I left them on.  as of today here are the bent down leaves, this view from across the other side of the fence shows all the bent green leaves remaining after 10-2024:

keeping those green leaves allows for faster recovery.  Here is the new growth, ~7 new leaves

looks like your were bent down.  It will come back faster if you do not trim green leaves.  I would cut if they go 1/2 brown maybe.  Ive heard a lot of relatively large alfrediis reportedly knocked over in less than hurricane winds.  The one here was planted in mostly sandy soil and it tilted slightly in hurricane IRMA which was only 75mph at my place.  I have since mulched it heavily and put down turface MVP to help the soil remain moist longer and develop stronger roots.  My two others had only leaf bending and not very much in 75mph IRMA, but most leaves were bent down in 110mph Milton.