AboutGeorge Heaton Expertise Carnivorous plants and other endangered or threatened plants of northwest Florida are
what I can answer questions about. Germination of seeds, growing instructions and other
care facts are available from me.
Experience I have my own bog which is suitable to grow carnivorous plants and it is populated by sarracenia, sundews and other plant life.
Education/Credentials I am a high school graduate and I am self taught in the carnivorous plant field.
Expert: George Heaton Date: 4/21/2008 Subject: Windmill Palm "Space"
Question Hi George:
Out in our pool area we are FINALLY getting rid of the pesky overgrown Junipers. I am replacing them with two five foot Windmill Palms and four 1-foot palms. I am having a landscaper plant them for me and he was concerned if we planted them to close to the swimming pool that one day the roots could damage the pool.
I find that surprising because the junipers are huge, like 1o feet in diameter and I know they have a healthy root system and I haven't had any problems with them. How far do you recommend planting them away from the pool to avoid this issue? Also, how fast to Windmill Palms grow? I am in North Georgia. Thanks!
Answer Hello Mike, These palms may grow to 40 feet tall with a ten foot crown. Depending on conditions they will grow from six inches to two feet a year. The root ball will rarely exceed the crown and a distance of 5 feet from the pool should be okay, but 8 to 10 might be better depending on the type of pool construction and the desired effect you are after. The landscaper may have been worried that if the pool cracks the leaking water may invite the roots to enter the crack and enlarge the crack as the root grows. My field of expertise is actually carnivorous plants of northwest Florida but we do have numerous palm trees in Florida and I feel confident in my answer. Double check your sources to be sure. Have a nice day and enjoy the pool, George
