How to Transplant Large Bismarck Palms

The Bismarck palm tree, or Arecaceae Bismarckia nobilis, is a popular palm tree in zones 9 through 11, where temperatures rarely go below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Originally from Madagascar, the Bismarck palm, with its prehistoric-looking silvery leaves, is widespread in Florida and Texas. This tropical perennial will reach heights of 30 to 40 feet, so transplanting one is serious business. If you have ordered your Bismarck palm online and are ready to move it from pot to outside or have been growing it from seed and are ready for the big transplant, there are a few things to keep in mind before taking out your shovel.

• 1

  Measure the diameter of your tree at 1 foot from the ground. Multiply this number by 10 and that will tell you how large of a tree spade you need. For example, if your Bismarck palm's trunk diameter is 3 inches, you will need a 30-inch tree spade.

• 2

  Use a tree spade or hire a tree spade operator to dig a hole for the Bismarck palm. You can also rent one from a hardware store. The tree spade will dig a plug of earth out of the ground: it is like a trowel for trees. Large Bismarck palms are mature trees, so you will need to dig a large, deep hole to accommodate its size.

  Choose a location that offers full sun all day. Bismarck palms do best with plenty of direct sunlight, so choose a spot that is away from the shade of your house or other trees.

• 3

  Protect the rootstock. One of the main reasons Bismarck palms die after transplanting is damage to their root system. Take the tree gently out of its container or remove the burlap surrounding the roots with care, depending on how it has been packaged.

• 4

  Center the tree in the hole and cover the hole back up with soil. Water the Bismarck palm twice a day for the first month after transplanting. After a month, water the palm three times a week.