Best Palm Trees to Give Your Backyard Shade & Style

Looking to add a tropical oasis to your backyard? Palm trees are the perfect way to transform your outdoor space with shade, style, and an exotic flair. From towering date palms to compact pygmy varieties, palm trees lend a sense of the tropics while providing unique and eye-catching silhouettes. With the right selection, palm trees can provide cooling shade for patios and pools, inject bold architectural accents, and instantly change the look and feel of your backyard.

However, with hundreds of palm species to choose from, it can be overwhelming to select the right ones for your backyard and climate. To help narrow down the best options, we've created this guide to the top palm trees for backyard landscapes. We'll cover the key factors to consider when choosing palm trees and provide recommendations for stunning varieties that are sure to enhance your outdoor living space.

Compare Different Types of Palm Trees

Palm trees can be divided into two main categories based on the appearance of their leaves. Knowing the difference can help you select varieties with the look you prefer.

Palmate vs. Pinnate Fronds

Palmate palms have fan-shaped fronds radiating out from a central point, like fingers on a hand. They tend to have a lush, full, rounded appearance. Examples include the classic coconut palm and attractive Kentia palm. Pinnate palms have long, feather-shaped fronds extending out from a central stem. They have a more sleek, upright, modern look. Date palms and king palms are popular pinnate varieties.

When selecting palm types for your backyard, consider which foliage shape and style you find most visually appealing. Do you want the bold, full canopy of palmate varieties or the neat, defined shape of pinnate types? Take into account the overall look you want to achieve.

Tall Palm Trees

Tall palm trees can make excellent focal points in landscapes. Their height draws the eye and makes them stand out. Tall palms also provide ample shade for patios, pools, and other areas. Some well-suited varieties for backyard spaces include:

• Queen palm - elegant, smooth gray trunks reaching 50 ft. tall
• Mexican fan palm - tall, slender trunks; unique shaggy appearance
• California fan palm - hardy; thick trunk; rounded crown

When choosing tall palms, be sure to consider their mature height in relation to overhead power lines and structures. Leave enough distance to prevent hazards.

Short Palm Trees

For small yards or creating elegant clusters, short palm trees are ideal. Their compact size allows them to fit in tight spaces and create tropical focal points without dominating the landscape. Some top picks include:

• Pygmy date palm - graceful look; max 10 ft. tall; great for containers
• Dwarf majesty palm - tropical appeal; mature around 8 ft. tall
• Mediterranean fan palm - clumping growth; mature height of 15 ft.

Groupings of small palm varieties can make a dramatic statement and provide a sense of entry into an exotic oasis as you move through your yard.

Cold Hardy Palm Trees

In cooler climates, it's important to select cold hardy palm varieties that can withstand frigid winters. Look for types rated for USDA zones 7 or 8 and further north. Some good options include:

• Needle palm - striking horizontal foliage; survives zones 7b-11
• Windmill palm - unusual pinwheel shaped leaves; tolerates brief freezes
• Sago palm - tropical look; hardy down to zone 8

Even cold hardy palms will need some protection during extreme cold snaps. Temporary wrappings, heat lamps and wind barriers can help shield palms from winter damage.

Tropical Look Palm Trees

For the most exotic, tropical style, consider palms with large fan-shaped leaves, smooth trunks, and bright fruits. Some top picks for a tropical vibe include:

• Coconut palm - iconic tropical plant; sweet fruit
• Banana palm - bright green paddle-shaped fronds
• Areca palm - glossy leaves; feathery crown; clumping growth

Planting palms with lush, full crowns in groupings lends a distinctly tropical feel. Surrounding them with bright flowers, foliage, and decor completes the look.

Important Factors for Selecting Palm Trees

Choosing the right palm tree involves evaluating a number of factors to ensure the species will thrive. Consider the following key elements:

Sunlight and Space Needs

Most varieties of palm prefer full sun locations with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Filtered sunlight or light shade is tolerated by some species. Be sure not to plant palms in dense shade, as this can result in lackluster growth.

Palms also need adequate space to prevent crowding as they grow. Check recommended spacing for the species and adjust for your yard size. Small areas may require dwarf palm species or trimming to keep plants contained.

Watering and Soil Needs

Palm trees require regular irrigation to look their best. Most need a thorough soaking 1-3 times per week in warm months, adjusted for rainfall. The soil should be allowed to partially dry between waterings. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot. If you have poorly draining soil, amend it with sand or gravel to improve drainage.

Palms grow best in slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. Having your soil tested can determine if pH adjustments are needed. Adding compost or palm fertilizer provides nutrients palms need for healthy growth.

Maintenance Requirements

To keep palm trees looking tidy and prevent damage, occasional pruning and grooming are required. Remove discolored, damaged, or dead fronds close to the trunk. Avoid cutting off green healthy fronds. Some varieties like the Christmas palm require more frequent pruning.

Apply a balanced, slow-release palm fertilizer 2-3 times per year during the growing season. Regularly inspect for pests and diseases. Address issues promptly to keep palms vigorous.

Growth Rate and Lifespan

Palms vary widely in terms of how quickly they reach mature sizes, from just a few years for dwarf palms to over 50 years for towering date palms. Slower growing types like the sago palm may max out at under 3 feet per year. Quickly growing palms require more maintenance to control size.

Lifespans also range significantly, from 10-15 years for inexpensive species like areca palms to over 100 years for hardy varieties like the California fan palm. Choosing long-lived palms can provide lasting focal points for landscapes.

Safety Issues to Consider

When planted near walkways, driveways and entertainment areas, the spines, fronds and fruit of some palm varieties can pose hazards. Coconut palms in particular drop heavy, hard fruits that necessitate protective measures. Avoid thorny palms like the needle palm next to paths. Check for toxicity to pets.

Budget and Availability

Palm trees range from $50 for small young plants to well over $1,000 for mature specimens. More exotic or larger palms tend to be more expensive. Factor in long-term costs like professional planting and maintenance.

Research local nurseries to find palm varieties suitable for your climate that are available nearby. Ordering online opens up more options but involves shipping costs. Plan ahead - stock is limited for some popular palms.

Top 10 Recommended Backyard Palm Trees

Ready to choose the perfect palms to elevate your landscape? Here are ten excellent varieties to consider:

Chinese Fan Palm

With dramatic, bright green fronds atop slender gray trunks, the Chinese fan palm creates serious curb appeal. It thrives in zones 8-11 and adapts well to containers. Mature height reaches 15-20 feet. Moderate growth rate and few pest problems make this a great choice for easy care.

Medjool Date Palm

A classic statement palm, the Medjool date palm commands attention with its massive size, reaching 60-80 feet tall. The bold, upright shape adds drama to landscapes. Long lived and low maintenance when established. USDA zones 9-11. Shop for younger plants under $100.

Sago Palm

If you want tropical style on a budget, the easy-care sago palm is a great option. The thick, recurved foliage tolerates partial shade. Slow growth to about 12 feet tall. Extremely hardy, surviving zone 8 winters. Resists pests and diseases. Available for under $50 while young.

Pygmy Date Palm

A compact dwarf palm perfect for small yards, the pygmy date reaches just 6-10 feet tall at maturity. Graceful arching leaves provide a focal point without dominating. Tolerates partial shade. Fast growth and easy maintenance make it ideal for containers, too. Cold hardy to zone 9.

European Fan Palm

Clumping growth to 20 feet tall creates a lush, full look with the European fan palm. Large, deep green fronds contrast beautifully against the mottled trunks. Withstands light frosts. Slow growth rate and low maintenance needs when established. USDA zones 7b-11.

Pindo Palm

The bold, blue-green leaves of the pindo palm resemble pineapples. A medium grower topping out around 20 feet, its arching fronds provide dappled shade. Exceptionally cold hardy for a palm. Handles zone 7 winters. The edible fruit draws wildlife.

Bismarck Palm

This eye-catching palm thrives with bright light and ample moisture. Long, gracefully arching foliage provides dense shade. Distinctive silver-blue coloring on the leaves. Slow growing but can reach 30+ feet tall. Does well in zones 9-11. Makes a statement in any landscape.

Majesty Palm

A tropical favorite, majesty palms have lush green, feathery fronds. Relatively fast growth to 50 feet tall. Does well in containers and indoor spaces. Tolerates partial shade. Provide ample moisture and warm temps (zones 10-11). Frequent pruning keeps this beauty looking its best.

Windmill Palm

Uniquely shaped fronds that resemble pinwheels make the windmill palm a standout choice. Matures around 10-20 feet tall. One of the most cold hardy palm varieties, tolerating brief freezes and temperatures into the teens (zone 7 or 8). Slow grower with minimal maintenance required.

Petticoat Palm

A petite palm perfect for small patios and gardens, the petticoat palm has a clustered, clumping growth and slender trunks. Its full, bright green crown sways gracefully. Maximum height around 8 feet. Does well in zones 9-11. Slow growing and easy to maintain when properly situated.

Common Backyard Palms to Avoid

While many palm species make excellent additions to backyards, a few varieties are considered invasive or high maintenance. Steer clear of:

• Foxtail palm - prone to freeze damage; risky in northern zones
• Royal palm - frequent, costly pruning requirements
• Date palm - large fruit drop; substantial litter clean-up

Palm trees can take your backyard to the next level with proper selection and care. Evaluate your climate, space constraints, desired look, and maintenance capabilities when deciding which varieties to plant. Select cold hardy, pet-friendly types suited for your region. With their iconic tropical style, palm trees instantly transform landscapes into relaxing escapes.