It was a recent topic here from lucky1 (Barb) and her concerns and efforts of digging up palms in cold climates.
Here's the thread - http://www.palmsnorth.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1301&start=0

Cheers, Barrie.

For most palms you will see little or no growth at all doing this. Some will die all together from having their roots disturbed. Washy's may take this abuse, but for the most part disturbing the roots every year will slow the growth to a stand still.

When you plant a new palm, most species will not grow the first year while they develop new roots.

Actually, It doesn't hurt cycads because if you cut or break a root while digging, it will result in the root healing and dividing (more roots mean faster growth)
(root pruning) , which is actually good for the plant . Just make sure to keep it on the dry side to encourage healing. Also, some cycads like Cycas Taitungensis
and my Hybrids never quit growing in cold temperatures. For an example, Wes has a Taitungensis seedling now that just germinated with new leaves. However, Cycas Revoluta and most species of palms may be in a "dormant condition" for the duration of cold weather. Digging them up probably wouldn't hurt , but be very careful not to damage the root system and if you do , use a very good fungicde to treat the roots, and don't over-water especially in the Winter. But , the fact remains, everything grows faster in the ground.....usually. Robert Chumley

Wes, it IS a logical question to ask.
But plants do grow better in the ground.

The constant and continual disturbances to roots (and the inherent danger of damage) leads to, in effect, a bonsai.
By not letting the roots expand at will (which in nature provides stability and new nutrients for the season's growth),
we make the tree even more dependent on artificial care.

In effect, EVERY potted plant is in an artificial situation.
Some more, some less.

This pic says it all. 31 year old Trachy. Same with the 6 foot tall Jade Tree to the left.
If this tree had been planted--then dug up each fall--the root ball would be enormous.
Since I've restricted the rootball, I've created a bonsai.
And with palms, just where they touch the ground, that's where adventitious roots (should) develop.

You'll see I goofed when replanting from the ground last Fall.
Plant is too high in pot, ergo NO adventitious roots this year.
Destroys the "natural" ratio of root mass / foliage for protection from winds, etc.
Barb

AWSOME!
I might try this, this Spring with some trees that I have many of, that I can afford to plant and dig up. Maybe a Robusta seedling, X-Mas Palm seedling, Triangle Palm, & maybe a Phoenix Dachy.
If anybody can dig me up a Butia (LAAZ 😉 ) I would LOVE to try one of those.

Wes
Start saving for ever-increasing diameter pots, and HD furniture dolly.
Next time you're at a mall 😐 have a look at the huge pots that hold the mall's magnificent palms and figs.
Talk to the administration manager (maybe they're changing some out soon?)

We Canadians pay a fortune for big pots. American pots are reasonably priced.

Caution re some pots...may leach arsenic (the prime suspect in death of my 30 year old Ficus benjamina).
I think my pot was from Vietnam.
Barb

Barb ... do you have a PST number? If so, you could by them wholesale as the prices are one half to a quarter of retail.

Cheers, Barrie.

One-half to one-quarterthe price of retail ??? 😯
I thought that was only in huge quantity (like Wes will be buying 😉 )

The big footed ceramic urn housing my Jade Tree was, if I recall from the "giver", about $230.
It's gorgeous even empty!

Barb

If anybody can dig me up a Butia (LAAZ icon_wink.gif ) I would LOVE to try one of those.

I know... I just have to get some time to grab one for you. I can get you 15 gal ones for $99, but the shipping would be high, even if I shipped it bare root. They are very good size.

If anybody can dig me up a Butia (LAAZ icon_wink.gif ) I would LOVE to try one of those.

I know... I just have to get some time to grab one for you. I can get you 15 gal ones for $99, but the shipping would be high, even if I shipped it bare root. They are very good size.

Naw buddy, I just need 3-4, 4-5 saplings. Ones just getting started with the leafs spreading open. I really like how they go from no spreading, to 3-4 leafs halfway opening, to full leaf opening. I find that really KEWL and like to see them in progress.

Is that kind of fetish healthy? 😆 😆 😆

Allen