Can Canary Island Date and Mexican palm trees damage a wall if planted too close?
November 5th, 2009 WalterCan Canary Island Date and Mexican palm trees damage a wall if planted too close?
I have several Mexican and Canary palms planted around my property. The Mexican palms are about 30 feet tall, while the Canary palms range from 12 to 15 feet. They are all about 17 years old. We are the corner property, and the wall borders the community slope. Recently, the community association advised us that they will be removing and rebuiding the wall around our property. They are replacing the wall because of a soil defect. However, they are requiring me to remove all my palm trees, claiming that they may cause damage to the wall in the future. I agreed to remove 3 of the palm trees that were touching the wall, but do not think it’s fair to get rid of the others since they are not touching the wall. I am under the assumption that palm roots are non-invasive and won’t affect surrounding architecture. Can someone with vast knowledge of palm trees please help me state my case so I can keep my beauti
Tags: Canary, close, damage, Date, Island, Mexican, palm, planted, trees, Wall
November 5th, 2009 at 9:19 pm
MY husband and I own and operate a tree service locally, and yes your trees can damage a structure if planted too close. I would advise you remove any trees closer than 6′ to wall. any tree that is farther away than 6′ will not harm the wall and can be left in place. You also have the option of moving the trees,but this can be very costly. call a tree company for this or an arborist. Please have your palms trimmed every 2 years at a minimum, they will be healthier and live longer.
November 5th, 2009 at 9:45 pm
Palm trees are not only non-invasive — they are very shallowly rooted. That is why 30 foot palm trees can be easily transplanted!! They are NOT known for damaging fences or side walks, etc. If we are talking a cinder block wall, there is NO way that your palm trees are going to damage the wall!! These are probably the MOST BENIGN trees that you could plant!!!
Stand your ground!!! (I don’t even think that you should get rid of the three that are touching the wall!!!). Get an tree expert to speak on your behalf!! In the USA, you may be able to get someone from the Master Gardener program for your county or someone from the Agricultural Department to help you!!!
If nothing else, your trees are helping to combat Global Warming and should not be taken out of the fight!!!
Good Luck!!!