PalmsNorth.com – Cold Hardy Palm Forum
Growing palms and tropicals in cold climates
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If any of you have been following me, I am performing an unheated experiment on two trachycarpus fortuneis. I cut out the bottom of a 5-gallon bucket and placed it over the palm. I then filled the bucket with dry leaves and put the lid on. I did this before the ground froze in November.
Well...tonight it is 40 degrees outside so I figured I would open one of the buckets up and take a look. I opened the bucket up, pulled out all the leaves and investigated the palm. The leaves were still totally dry. However, it does not look good for the palm. The ground is frozen solid and when I tugged on the spear it pulled right out with no resistance. So far this winter, the minimum temperature has been 0.0F and nearly every day in December was below freezing for both highs and lows (mostly 20-30F during the day and 10-20F at night).
Here are some pictures.
Looks like unheated palms in Wisconsin is a no go. I don't see these surviving another two harsh months.
Tomorrow, the forecast highs are in the 50s. I will be opening up the uninsulated palm structures to see how those 3 gallon trachys are doing. Their only heat is 100 mini lights wrapped around the trunk and crown. As of last week, the ground had not froze in those enclosures.
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Posted : 30/12/2010 9:21 pm
That's too bad Tim.. Maybe leave them and see. You might need to cut the trunk like Jim does in the Spring. maybe put some Copper Spray on them??
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Posted : 30/12/2010 9:55 pm
nice test.............too bad about the results.
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Posted : 30/12/2010 11:23 pm
nice test...but bucket is not good material for covering. You sholud try styrofoam instead bucket.
Posted : 31/12/2010 4:55 am
Sorry, but good experiment on a relatively inexpensive palm.
Is your ground frozen?
Posted : 31/12/2010 7:46 am
Topic starter
Sorry, but good experiment on a relatively inexpensive palm.
Is your ground frozen?
It's frozen everywhere there is not a heated palm enclosure.
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Posted : 31/12/2010 8:31 am
oops I hadn't read this yet - sorry about your spear pull, but good experiment nonetheless. Maybe there's HOPE?! good idea to cut the trunk like Jim did if all else fails.
Heidi
~ palms on the Canadian west coast
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Posted : 31/12/2010 12:54 pm
Heidi,
I have not followed your winter, but I know it has been cold down in Oregon where my family lives.
Some time, can you update us on your palms? --Erik
Posted : 31/12/2010 2:14 pm
Hey Erik! Yes I've definitely been away for a while, busy busy during the month of December and now I'm finally catching up with everyone again. I'll do a post here soon. Our temps have been above 0C until 2 days ago they've been -5C overnight and 0C in the day. and the palms are doing really well though, but I always have my eye on the one without the hut and it's only covered in an orange plastic bag. 😯
How are things with your palms? I have to check through the forum on your updates!
Hope you had a great Christmas Erik! All the best in the new year!
Heidi
~ palms on the Canadian west coast
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Posted : 31/12/2010 2:20 pm
