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The windmill palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) is a hardy tree and exceptionally easy to maintain. Its common name is based on its long, fan-shaped leaves that are reminiscent of a windmill. The species can withstand some of the hottest summers, while also tolerating cold temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Windmill palms create ornamental appeal and bring tropical vibes to any landscape.
Windmill palm trees are drought-tolerant and disease-resistant.
Can reach 20 feet in height or more, with 3-foot-long leaves.
The species can be grown outdoors or in containers.
In northern climates, windmill palms like full sun, 6-8 hours a day; in hotter climates, partial shade is best.
Watering
Windmill palms don't like wet soil. Water once a week during dry weather, and daily for newly-planted trees.
Fertilizing
Use a slow-release fertilizer formulated for palm trees throughout the growing season.
Planting and Care
by Mary Van Keuren | Gardener (30+ Years Experience) – last update on December 28, 2021
Planting instructions
Windmill palm trees prefer a planting site that receives full or partial sun. Start by digging a hole that is as deep as the root system and twice as wide. Place the palm tree gently in the hole, keeping it upright, with the top of the root ball at the same height as the soil. Backfill the hole with soil, water thoroughly, and cover with mulch to retain moisture in the tree’s early stages. In colder climates, you may grow windmill palms in containers and bring them indoors for winter.
Watering and nutrients
Newly planted windmill palm trees require deep watering every other day. Once established, water the trees once per week in most areas — arid climates call for waterings twice weekly. To determine if the tree needs water, place your finger in the soil near the base about two to three inches deep. If the soil feels dry to the touch, the tree is due for a watering. If your soil lacks nutrients, feel free to add a slow-release palm fertilizer each year as indicated in package directions.
Pruning
Windmill palm trees require little to no pruning — the only requirement is to remove dead, dying, and diseased fronds as they appear. To prevent stress on the tree, try not to remove too many fronds at once. Always cut the stems a few inches away from the trunk to avoid unnecessary injury to the tree. Be sure to clean up fallen fronds, as they can provide a home for various animals and pests. They may also become a fire hazard.
Pests and diseases
The windmill palm is resistant to most pests and disease, making it a relatively easy plant to maintain. Leaf spots and yellowing are signs of infestation and disease — remove infected fronds as they appear. Windmill palms will not tolerate excessively moist soil and may suffer from root rot if improperly planted. While palm aphids are not a common problem, you can still take preventative measures by planting nasturtiums, cosmos, zinnia, and other aphid-repelling plants around the area where your palm tree is planted.
FAQs
How large do windmill palm trees grow?
When planted in the best possible conditions, windmill palms can grow to a height of 40 feet. However, most specimens end up between 10 and 20 feet tall. The crown spreads approximately six to 10 feet across. The species is relatively slow growi ng, as they only put on eight inches of height per year. Windmill palm trees will often survive for five or more decades when properly cared for.
What is the windmill palm tree used for?
Today, the windmill palm tree is widely used as an ornamental plant. However, in its native land of China and other nearby countries, the species has a history of practical use. As the tree grows, coarse trunk fibers are left behind by the leaf sheaths. These fibers are then harvested and used in ropes, brushes, and other household items. Other parts of the tree are used in the crafting of artificial palm trees. These industrial uses have led to the tree receiving an alternative nickname: the hemp palm.
What palm species are similar to the windmill palm?
Trachycarpus takil, commonly referred to as the Kumaon palm, is closely related to the windmill palm tree. The Kumaon palm is not nearly as popular as T. fortunei, but is similar in appearance and can tolerate colder temperatures. Trachycarpus wagnerianus is a nearly identical species, aside from its smaller stature. This has led to its classification as a dwarf-sized cultivar of T. fortunei. The dwarf variety even hybridizes with the windmill palm, creating a fertile, mid-sized palm tree.
Why is my windmill palm turning brown?
Most gardeners will encounter browning fronds on their palm trees at one point or another. Older leaves have a natural tendency to turn brown and shed away — this is completely normal. An overabundance of fertilizer can cause the tips of fronds to turn brown. This is prevented by only applying fertilizer during active periods of growth. Fronds may also turn brown during periods of extreme temperatures, so they may require some form of protection at these times. Under-watering will cause the entire plant to turn brown. Always water thoroughly and check the soil moisture frequently.
Wonderful! As soon as I notified I was missing 2 palm trees, they immediately replaced them and them within 5 days! Wonderful customer service!!
Anonymous
Verified Buyer May 11, 2021 at 3:48pm
Please overall but some packaging damage
Overall I am pleased with the tree although there is some damage to the fronds from the packaging. The tree was packaged in the same box as another tree. I expect the tree to recover fully and overall I am pleased with the size and look of the tree.
Anonymous
Verified Buyer April 1, 2021 at 12:06pm
Palms
Great customer service.
Anonymous
Verified Buyer August 4, 2020 at 2:52am
So small
The tree is alive and seems to be doing fine. Couldn't believe how small it is though. Will take a few years to look like the one in the photo
Anonymous
Verified Buyer August 3, 2020 at 7:55pm
Windmill Palm Trees
They arrived shorter than I expected but you can see new growth forming so hopefully it won't be too long before they reach the advertised height! Roots were healthy and well developed.
Anonymous
Verified Buyer July 12, 2020 at 9:14pm
Health tree
A healthy tree was delivered and has adapted well
Deer Resistant
Mature height
20-40 ft
Mature width
6-15 ft
Sunlight requirement
Full-Partial
Growth rate
Slow
Botanical name
Trachycarpus fortunei
Shipping exclusions
AZ
Grows Well In Zones
7-11
Growing Zones: 7-11 i
Growing zones help determine if a particular plant is likely to grow well in a location. It identifies the average annual minimum winter temperatures across the U.S. provided as a map by the USDA.
Replacement
Please overall but some packaging damage
