North Fort Myers • Lee County
Palm Installation in North Fort Myers, FL
Palms in North Fort Myers have to hold up to wind and, in the river neighborhoods, to standing water and salt. Suncoast Estates residents described a 12-hour beating from Ian in 2022, and Lochmoor Waterway Estates has since flooded during Helene and Milton. UF/IFAS gives the rules that matter most. A palm goes in at the depth it was growing, judged by where roots meet trunk, because burying the trunk deeper can suffocate roots. It needs bracing while new roots anchor, padded so nothing is nailed into the trunk, and the braces come off on schedule. Species choice depends on the spot. Native sabal palms take salt, sand, and wet soil in stride, Florida thatch palms suit smaller beds, and foxtail palms are a common non-native for open lawns away from the water. Hodges digs the hole, sets the palm at the right depth, backfills with the existing soil, builds a watering ring, and installs the bracing.
or call (239) 301-9455
Where it comes up in North Fort Myers
Lochmoor Waterway Estates
Herons Glen
Tropic Isles
Plants and materials that suit it in North Fort Myers
- Sabal palm (cabbage palm)
- Florida thatch palm
- Foxtail palm
- Bismarck palm
- Padded wood batten bracing
Questions
Which palm handles flooding and salt the best?
The native sabal palm, Florida's state tree, tolerates salt spray, sandy soil, and periodic wet conditions better than most ornamental palms. Florida thatch palm is another native that does well near the coast. Save more tender palms for higher ground.
Should I fertilize a new palm right away?
Wait for the right season. Lee County prohibits nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer in unincorporated areas from June 1 through September 30, so a palm planted in summer should be fed with a palm fertilizer once the restriction ends, not during it.
Why not plant the palm deeper so it stands up better in wind?
UF/IFAS warns that planting deeper than the original depth can suffocate roots and kill the palm. Stability comes from proper bracing and new root growth. Braces typically stay on for six months to a year, depending on the palm.