Creating a Privacy Hedge with Palm Trees

There are several palm trees that work great as a privacy hedge. Here is a list of Palm Trees commonly used for Privacy Hedges:

1. Areca Palm, Golden Can Palm  or Dypsis lutescens - The Areca Palm is used throughout south Florida for Privacy Hedges. The palm is also used in coastal areas or microclimates throughout central Florida. The palm has a medium growth rate, multiple trunks and is self cleaning (the palm drops old fronds without the need to trim). Growers will typically put a dozen seeds in one pot when growing the Areca Palm to make it extra full at maturity. The Areca Palm can have a golden look on both the canes and the fronds when in full sun. That is not necessarily a sign of a nutrient deficiency. Spacing for the Areca Palm can be 4 to 6 feet depending on how quickly you want your privacy hedge to be complete.

Areca Palm Hedge

25 Gallon Areca Palm - 8-10 Feet Tall

2. Fishtail Palm or Caryota mitis - The Fishtail Palm works well too for a privacy hedge. The growth rate of the Fishtail Palm is medium. This hedging palm likes some shade but can be used in full sun if given plenty of fertilizer and water. The trunks of the Fishtail Palm will die as they flower/seed. The dead trunks will need to be removed. Spacing for the Fishtail Palm would be 4 to 6 feet on center.

Fishtail Palm Tree for Privacy Hedge

3. Lady Palm or Rhapis excelsa - The Lady Palm is another one that prefers a little shade. The Lady Palm will grow nicely under Oak canopy even. The Lady Palm has slender canes that can be slicked up to look like Bamboo. Spacing for the Lady Palm would be 3 to 5 feet on center.

Lady Palm Tree in 25 Gallon Container

4. Paurotis, Everglades Palm or Acoelorrhaphe wrightii - This Florida Native Palm Tree is a slow grower and unlike the other palms recommended, has spines. The Paurotis Palm requires periodic trimming to remove the dead/brown fronds. Spacing for the Paurotis Palm would be 6 feet plus.

Paurotis Palm or Everglades Palm
Acoelorrhaphe wrightii
A GIANT one!

There are other palms that can be used to create a Privacy Hedge and some can be mixed with the choices above to create a more varied look to the hedge. Queen Palms, Foxtail Palms or Royal Palms can be planted between every three or four of the palms above to add a little shade and frost protection to your Privacy Hedge.

The Chinese Fan Palm will work for a period of time that suits many peoples needs. Ultimately, this palm will outgrow being a hedge. It has worked in my yard for 13 years now and I am not totally opposed to its use as a hedge.

Chinese Fan Palm in 25 Gallon Container

A Quality Plant

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