The foxtail palm is a relatively new species for gardeners around the world to explore, and it has a rather interesting history. Palm tree roots regularly regenerate from the root ball. There are a variety of palms that grow to many different heights. Invasive tree roots are seeking nutrients and water and such pipes draw them in for the growth. Palm trees use a root-initiation zone as their main root production center. The roots stay thin and regularly regenerate. They can live for a hundred years and grow up to 200 feet tall. Palm trees grown in the ground always seem to have surprisingly shallow root systems given their height. If your palms are healthy, free of disease and have a strong root system, they will stand tall for years to come. Keep reading this post as we answer your questions and address concerns about these tropical beauties. Poplar (Zones 3-8): A tall tree with aggressive roots known for causing sewer and foundational damage In theory, yes, but in practise it is usually not feasible to install tree root barriers to sufficient depth. If planted too close, the expanding trunk and roots of a palm tree will lift pavers and have been known to damage retaining walls. But as palms mature they produce a secondary root system near, or even above, the soil level. Your palm should give you decades of enjoyment! Yes, cooler climates. Check out our post on When to Trim Palm Trees for guidance on how and when to cut back your palms. Palm tree roots do not widen out as they grow; rather, they tend to grow straight down. Palm trees are sturdy and don’t easily fall over. The roots of palm trees reflect the fact that they are monocots and are related to grasses and onions in that they start life with a single seed leaf. Palms have many small roots that are unlikely to overrun a space and cause issues. It’s also best to buy the largest palm you can afford for increased hardiness and effect, so choosing the right hardy palm is important to make the best purchase. As you finish reading this post, we hope that you have a better understanding of a palm tree’s root system. Does this strength mean that palm tree roots are invasive? These trees have played an important role in history as a symbol of peace and a sign of triumph. It’s unlikely for a palm tree to damage concrete. Type of Plant (if known): Travellers Palm . Palm trees’ root systems grow laterally in the top few feet of soil. Palm trees’ root systems grow laterally in the top few feet of soil. The roots grow along with the tree by spreading themselves horizontally across the soil. Once inside the pipes, they cause leaks and plug up the line. If your palm tree was damaged in a storm or has fallen on your home, you should check with your insurance company about the cost of removal. Plant a tree with non-invasive roots to solve problems brought on by protruding roots. The area around where your palm is planted can add a significant cost to the removal bill. I already reviewed RKR's posting on the difference between palm roots and other tree roots (topic 4185 - Palm 101 Basics). A palm tree needs anywhere from 100 square feet to 900 square feet of space to grow. 10 yrs ) clumps of Areca Palm roots next to my lanai. Located just underneath the soil's surface, this zone generates thin roots that grow within the top 12 to 24 inches of earth. Rather, palm trees have hundreds of small roots that grow from the root-initiation zone at the bottom of the trunk. Root Base. Smaller trees will do fine in a smaller space but the palms that grow up to 50 feet will need a wide-open space for the roots to stretch out. Your palm might have a thick and hard trunk. They have sturdy yet feathery leaves that give the foxtail palm a lush quality as a single tree … Read our post Can Palm Trees Survive Snow to learn about cold-hardy palms and how to care for them. Most palm trees don’t have invasive roots. It all comes down to those thin roots. Since they are always regenerating and dying off, they do not grow very long. Some species of plam tree produce dates or fruit, that either attract annoying wildlife (screeching bats) or create a mess around the pool or in the pool (clogging filter systems). There are also palms that grow more like shrubs if the overall height is of concern for you. The Association of Bay Area Governments: ABAG's Sewer Smart Planting Guide, Northern Territory Government: Planning and Infrastructure Fact Sheet, Just Stumpgrinding: Tree Roots and Your Sewer Pipes, Real Manage: Landscaping and Pest Control in Florida. Some species can even survive in cooler climates. Palm tree root matting is incredibly invasive. As the tree grows, the roots spread wider but only usually as wide as the fronds, which can spread 12 feet. Although labor-intensive, this directly … Except for today, it isn’t fiction—today it’s real. Roots of palm trees grow in thin strands from the base of the tree’s root ball. What Kind of Structural Damage Can Tree Roots Cause? The roots are from 1 to 4 feet deep. Sound lines and sewers have very little trouble with root damage, and then only at weak points where water seeps out. Video of the Day Although not thick-rooted, like ficus trees, palm roots may grow into established pipe cracks and breaks if moisture is plentiful. Pandanus is a genus of monocots with some 750 accepted species. Since that's Read Only I'm starting this new thread. All the roots feed on the soil and expand to find sources of water. This wide spacing provides a large enough growing area for sturdy root establishment without harming your pipes. 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