How to Take Care of Your Palm Trees During a Drought

Caring for palm trees during a drought is nothing new for homeowners in the south. According to WMBF weather, “recent reports show that drought conditions have been worsening in the region, with 99% of South Carolina experiencing drought as of October 31, 2024. The Grand Strand area, including Myrtle Beach, has seen moderate drought conditions.

However, these elegant palm trees can become stressed during drought. The top 5 palm trees we usually plant in our landscape designs are;

• Sable Palms
• Pindo Palms
• European Fan Palms
• Windmill Palms
• Sago Palms

We plant these palm trees because most are relatively drought-tolerant, but there are still a few tips to help your palm trees during a dry spell.

^{Sable Palm Trees}

• Deep Watering, Less Often: Instead of frequent, shallow watering, water your palm profoundly but less often. This encourages the roots to grow deeper, helping the palm find moisture.
• Mulch Magic: Apply a mulch layer around the palm’s base. This helps retain moisture in the soil and keeps the roots cool.
• Fertilize Wisely: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to give your palm the nutrients it needs without stressing it out.
• Watch for Pests and Diseases: Look for pests and diseases that can weaken your palm and treat any issues promptly.
• Provide Shade: During the hottest parts of the day, consider providing shade for your palm to protect it from excessive heat stress.

Pindo Palms

Follow the same rules with the Pindo palm tree as the sable with one difference in watering.

Avoid Overwatering: While it’s important to water deeply, avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.  

European Fan Palms

• Light: European fan palms thrive in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Choose a location where your palm will receive at least four to six hours of direct sunlight on most days. Too much shade can cause the palm to get leggy.
• Soil: European fan palms are not picky about soil except for the fact that they need excellent drainage. They can adapt to varying textures (loam, clay, or sand) and pH levels (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline).
• Water: Until the roots of a young European fan palm are established, it should be watered to maintain even soil moisture. In extreme heat, it might need to be watered weekly or more often to help roots establish. Mature European fan palms are moderately drought-tolerant. Allow the soil to dry out to a depth of about 2 inches between waterings, and then deeply water the palm. However, ensure that the palm is not sitting in soggy soil, which can cause root rot.

Windmill Palms

Follow the same tips as the Sable Palms

Sago Palms

Follow the same tips as the Sable Palms.

Again, all of these palm trees are either drought-tolerant or semi-drought-tolerant. If you have any questions, concerns, or problems, contact your local nursery or arborist immediately, who will know how to help you during this time.

In the meantime, Myrtle Beach and the surrounding areas will hope for some rain as we enter November.

If you want palm tree installation, contact us for design, planning, and a free estimate.