Outdoor palm trees define the skyline of tropical and subtropical landscapes, their tall, single trunks topped with a crown of fronds instantly signaling a warm-climate destination.
Palm trees are technically not true trees at all — botanically they're more closely related to grasses — and popular landscaping species like the queen palm, date palm, and Mexican fan palm are prized as much for their striking form as for the shade and coconuts some varieties produce.
Outdoor palms want full sun and well-draining soil, and most species are only reliably hardy in frost-free or nearly frost-free climates. Deep, infrequent watering and an occasional application of palm-specific fertilizer keep fronds looking their best.
Only remove fully brown, dead fronds — trimming green, healthy fronds ("hurricane cutting") weakens the tree and doesn't actually improve its storm resistance, despite the popular myth.
