John, we snapped our tow line that was rated at two tons. We rocked the palm back and forth with a truck. It took all day as we were required to dig more and break rocks to free the root ball. The Trachy had a big root system for that type of palm. The tree fell hard and was dragged out of the property on pavement. The root ball was so heavy that we backed the truck against a tree with a massive base. That pushed the heavy root ball fully onto the lift gate. It was hauled 15 km away and two neighbours helped myself and Keith place the palm upright (heavy!). We changed our plans by loading the palm fronds first. We had no winch and no crane. Had the palm been a few feet taller it would have suffered a doomed fate. But fate did favor the foolish as a new palm shocked my area with its sudden appearance. I hope you enjoy the pics, Barb.
There should be more palms at English Bay.
Congrats on the move. 🙂
Dean
Dean
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A lot of work! but well worth it to save a nice Palm 8)
Steve
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Wow that`s excellent ,great job. That is one ginormous Trachy. Now take two back pain killers and have a nap. 😆 Do you plan on giving it any root stimulators for the transplant?
John
Okanagan Palms and Tropicals
6b-7a
Great job!!!
you saved it
Thanks for the comments guys. The palm will hopefully not feel the move.
John, Banana Joe told me to use root stimulator. I used an entire container of it diluted in water. The Trachy needs lots of water this summer. The tourists may hate the poor weather but it was good timing for a Trachy move. A move in crappy weather in April or May would have been better as the soil in the region is still very moist. Sabals or R. hystrix are too slow here. Trachys don't need heat and they are not as heavy as Washingtonia or Brahea for the same height of trunk. This Trachy has survived the coldest winter low recorded in the region, the warmest summer high and the most important snowfall. We shall find out if our move had been too abusive but some Trachys have nine lives. I find the problem with them is during warm, dry summer weather when they are tiny.
BTW, the palm is a male. It was a gift 25 years ago to a senior in Saanich. The owner had no idea that such a small plant would grow to this size. This is what I call an instant palm and it is tall for something north of California. I hope to take good care of it. The Palm Society member (Keith) who assisted me rescued seedlings for my yard which is still under construction. Of all the abuse they can take in the darkness of winter, summer can be fatal to these tiny seedlings. They hate long days in full sun when it's dry and over 25C. They can dry out so easy. There are still seedlings at the complex. I assume that more will need a home next year. The bad start to June is a plus to outdoor Trachy germination.
Hey, send me a bit of that interior heat for my Jub. 8)
Cheers
There should be more palms at English Bay.
Islander, thanx for taking those great pics.
What a gorgeous Trachy...looks absolutely wonderful in its new home.
Great palm bed with that monster and the smaller guys beneath...very attractive.
So...now you know why my 31 year old Trachy is in a pot (garbage can).
Would never have been able to winter protect a magnificent tall specimen like your new 25 yr old beauty 😆 😆
Congrats on a fine transplanting job.
I can only imagine how sore you guys were!
Barb
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If you drink, don't drive. Don't even putt.
