Palm Tree Roots Exposed

Why are palm tree roots visible in the first place? Does it Need To Be fixed?

The primary reason for this are traits related to their specialized Palm Growth Habit. Palms have their own way of growing a root system.

Oh, right! The palm tree roots exposed don't exactly look like this. 😏

The characteristic palm tree root structure is different from typical tree species. Palms have a root initiation zone formed at the base of the trunk. Which is where roots begin growing after a seedling's establishment.

Aerial Roots Come Out From the Root Initiation Zone.
Now That's More Like It! 🤗

Roots spread out under the palm canopy, to as much as 50' (15m) from the trunk. Palm roots primarily grow horizontally below the soil's surface. Most palm tree roots are within 6" (15cm) of the ground's surface. Contrary to typically deeper roots of woodland trees.

If You Had X-Ray Vision to See Underground.
For How Palm Roots Grow

Other species you may have noticed have a stubby root system visibly growing out, beneath the trunk's lowest portion. It almost looks like the roots are pushing the trunk upwards!

They sort-of are, from growing adventitious roots out of the root initiation zone. Some species do that. Others create these exposed roots in response to inconsistent water access.

But it's just a normal growth function of some palms. For instance the Phoenix genera palms do this.

Phoenix reclinata with adventitious aerial roots.

Situations occur where palm tree roots are exposed from some sort of Palm Tree Problem. Take a look at what can happen:

SOIL PROBLEMS

Roots could become exposed due to soil erosion. Heavy rains, abrupt water flow, or improper landscaping can cause soil erosion.

Most roots of palm species are meant to be underground. Having that proper depth where they enjoy protection, better nutrient access, and the palm is solidified in the ground.

This Coconut Palm Had Inadequate Support
Because of Sandy Soil Erosion. Ended Up Toppling Over

IMPROPER SEED PLANTING

If you're thinking of Growing a Palm From Seed, it's important to know how much soil should cover over it. Most species' seeds barely need any earth covering above. It's all about knowing the growth details of the palm you're going to plant.

Washingtonia robusta seeds on ground, about 1/2"
Quite Easy to Grow From Seed - None to slight layer of soil on it. Some here are beginning to germinate!

ABNORMAL TRANSPLANTING DEPTH

Palm species need earth to be at the correct level for trunks. When a seedling palm is transplanted, it's essential for them to be at the proper soil level.

• If planted too deeply, they won't get enough needed oxygen.
• Planting too shallowly can cause existing roots to dry out, with little to no new root growth. And they won't have good anchoring support.

A change in pre-transplant depth of the trunk can eventually lead to roots becoming exposed. When correctly transplanted, your palm tree roots will stay underground. Where they belong! If that's the design of that species (most are like that).

PRECAUTION TIPS

Avoid heaping the soil too high against the trunk. Trunks aren't meant to be buried! (Remember the proper planting depth we discussed.) Soil banking too high could also cause rot, which your palm won't enjoy!

Not sure about how to go about it? Find a palm tree landscape professional. Who, at an appropriate cost, understands your soil & knows the correct method. Let's deliver a solution that restores root health without damaging the palm.