A variety of palm trees beautify Siesta Key
By Jennifer Amato
One of the most iconic images of Florida is the palm tree, but did you know there are several varieties of the beautiful tree – and that certain types grow in Siesta Key?
Some of the most common in the area include the Coconut Palm (Cocos nucifera), Foxtail Palm (Wodyetia bifurcata), Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens), Pygmy Date Palm (Phoenix roebelenii), and Christmas Palm (Adonidia merrillii). Among the top native species are the Royal Palm (Roystonea regia), Florida Thatch Palm (Thrinax radiata), and the Sabal Palm (Sabal palmetto), which is also Florida’s state tree.
“Siesta Key’s warm, coastal climate is perfect for a wide variety of palms,” said Ryan Empey, president of Lead Landscape Design and Tropical Gardens Landscape, which offers landscaping services in Sarasota, Siesta Key and Longboat Key. “Historically, palms like the Sabal and Saw Palmetto were used by Native Indian tribes for food, shelter (such as Chickee huts), and other building materials. They’ve become woven into our state culture and visual identity. Whether lining roads or swaying along the shoreline, they remain an enduring emblem of Siesta Key and Florida in general.”
Each species has its own specifications as to its general age and height:
Coconut Palm: 50-80 years; 60-70 feet tall
Royal Palm: 50+ years; 60-70 feet tall
Foxtail Palm: 30-50 years; 20-30 feet tall
Areca Palm: 40-50 years; 15-20 feet tall
Sabal Palm: 70-100 years; 40-50 feet tall
Florida Thatch Palm: 50-100 years; 15-20 feet tall
Christmas Palm: 25-50 years; 12-25 feet tall
Pygmy Date Palm: 25-50 years; 8-12 feet tall
There are different trees planted in commercial and residential settings. Empey said commercial properties often feature large, dramatic palms—such as Royal, Bismarck, Canary Island Date, and Medjool Palms—”to create a bold visual impact and complement the scale of larger buildings.”
He said residential landscapes, on the other hand, “typically incorporate palms that fit the proportions of the home.” Smaller to mid-sized species like Foxtails, Areca Palms, Pygmy Date Palms and Christmas Palms provide a lush, tropical look without overwhelming the space, he said.
The key to a successful tree is proper planting. Empey said choosing a well-drained location and setting the palm at the same depth it was grown in its container (and not deeper) are the first steps to tree health. “Backfill with the native soil, avoiding heavy amendments that can restrict root growth in the planting hole. Water deeply directly after planting, while keeping the root zone consistently moist for the first several months. For ongoing care, fertilize four times per year with a slow-release palm-specific fertilizer containing magnesium and manganese, prune only the dead or brown fronds, and provide supplemental irrigation during any dry periods,” he said.
The lifespan of a tree also depends on external factors, such as the weather and the climate.
“Following last year’s historic hurricane season, we observed many non-native palms performing exceptionally well, while some commonly used varieties proved unable to withstand the salt intrusion,” Empey noted. “Some of our most salt- and wind-tolerant palm species are the Sabal Palm, Coconut Palm, Bismarck Palm, Florida Thatch Palm, Paurotis Palm, Royal Palm and Christmas Palm. Their flexible trunks and strong root systems help them to withstand high winds and flooding, making them excellent choices for coastal or hurricane-prone locations.”
Overall, palm trees are one of the most beautiful and representative symbols of Florida.
“Palms have long been a symbol of South Florida’s tropical beauty. They call to mind our sunshine, beaches, and a more relaxed way of life. These are all qualities that draw so many people here,” Empey said.
