Phoenix canariensis_CIDP Blowover Repair

[Doug-Tews]

I posted about 2 weeks ago my Phoenix canariensis_CIDP blew over in a terrible gale. After combining my own thoughts with those from helpful HTUK and EPS members, I came up with a solution.

After clearing the decorative rocks away, it could be clearly seen it was not planted deep enough. The base had a rounded, bulbous shape which allowed it rock about. It was decided to build a raised planter enabling the palm to be buried deeper.

After the planter was constructed, angle iron stakes were driving in at 8 points surrounding the planter and chains used to hold the palm back upright.

Some John Innes #3 was then packed and washed in around the lowest part of the air gap covering up a few exposed roots.

To hopefully guard against rot, several bags of sharp sand were then mounded up immediately around and next to the trunk. This would help hold it in place, but be very well draining. The rest of the planter was filled with about 50 bags of John Innes #3, tamped down and watered.

Since the repair, we've had several other good gales, but the palm appears held rigidly in place and hasn't budged. The trunk is now about 6 inches deeper than it was.

Thanks again to everyone's thoughts and suggestions!

[bobbyd44]

some goood work their doug looks a great palm and hope the changes help it to carry on doing so well.

[mixiepalms]

perfectly done, thumbs up from me,

[palmking]

That's the right way to do it, Doug-superb!

Paul

[dave2166]

should suvive the once in a thousand year storm now.... maybe theres an opening on the island for plant anchoring...

must have cost a few bob though, all those bags of compost and the like

[MoonCup]

I know you are well meaning, but to place a palm into bondage is un-natural and a violation of the natural order.

Your palm can make its own recovery without such restrictions.

[Danny Thomas]

I know you are well meaning, but to place a palm into bondage is un-natural and a violation of the natural order.

Your palm can make its own recovery without such restrictions.

You started on the wine early tonight

(Sorry Doug, but this person is crackers)

[ElTel]

I know you are well meaning, but to place a palm into bondage is un-natural and a violation of the natural order.

Your palm can make its own recovery without such restrictions.

you ca put me in bondage sweetheart lol

[Dave Brown]

That is great Doug and should solve the problem well The only comment I have is I would not have raised such a large area

Ok having seem the recents posts another comment I have is....the palm would not have sorted itself out, Mooncup . While it is rocking it cannot get additional roots into the ground to anchor itself.

[Nigel Fear]

Good luck with that one Doug, hopefully with a mild winter the roots will establish and self-repair, or at least replace any that may have severed.

Are you going to add any gravel to the newly raised bed?

[Adrian]

Dont worry Doug, the wind up merchants are out in force at the moment.

[Doug-Tews]

The only comment I have is I would not have raised such a large area

The apparent result is not what I anticipated. In fact, this new planter is only a few inches greater across than the original circle of stones. However, by squaring it off and raising it, the final result looks huge. The balance should improve with time, as the palm is still not up to it's final diameter in size.

Good luck with that one Doug, hopefully with a mild winter the roots will establish and self-repair, or at least replace any that may have severed.
Are you going to add any gravel to the newly raised bed?

My past experience with this palm has demonstrated the roots do indeed continue to grow throughout the winter, despite the top being apparently dormant.
The stones are not going back in. My landlords were also shocked by the sudden massive appearance and it was decided a sea of black stones would be too much. Instead, I intend to plant a green groundcover...perhaps some Hypericum.

[Adrian]

Doug, given a year or two then the planter could be removed and the bed size could be reduced with just a mound up to the new level, your landlord would should be fine knowing that.

[davidjonesUK]

Look's good as new, WELL DONE!!!!

[kentgardener]

Good job Doug - that will keep it upright until it gets its roots down. Once it does it should be able to cope with any wind. Here is one I saw at Christmas (it was bloody hard to stand up it was so windy!)