How Long Does It Take Palm Trees To Grow

The time it takes a palm tree to grow depends heavily on the species, climate, and care. Here’s a breakdown of typical growth rates:

🌴 Palm Tree Growth Rates by Type

🌞 Arizona-Specific Notes (Including Ahwatukee)

In the hot, arid Phoenix area, palms can grow faster due to the long warm season, provided they are well-watered and fertilized.

• Mexican Fan Palms (very common in the Phoenix Valley) can grow up to 4 feet per year, and they often reach 60–100 feet.

• Mediterranean Fan Palms and Pygmy Date Palms grow much slower, making them popular for landscaping where space is limited.

⏱️ General Timelines

• Fast-growing palms: noticeable growth in 2–3 years, full height in 10–15 years.

• Slow-growing palms: can take 10–25+ years to look mature.

• Container palms grow slower than palms planted in the ground.

🌱 How to Speed Up Palm Growth

• Deep water weekly in summer.

• Use palm-specific fertilizer (e.g., with magnesium and potassium).

• Ensure good drainage to avoid root rot.

• Mulch to retain moisture and reduce weeds.

In Phoenix, AZ, where summers are brutally hot and winters can dip just below freezing, the easiest palm trees to grow are heat-tolerant, drought-resistant, and cold-hardy to at least 20–25°F. Here’s the top pick:

✅ Easiest Palm Tree to Grow in Phoenix: Mexican Fan Palm

🌴 Mexican Fan Palm (Washingtonia robusta)

• Growth Rate: Fast (up to 3–4 feet/year)

• Max Height: 60–100 feet

• Cold Tolerance: Down to ~18°F

• Drought Tolerance: High

• Maintenance: Low (but needs trimming as it gets tall)

• Why it’s ideal:

  • Thrives in full sun

  • Tolerates extreme heat and reflected heat from walls/concrete

  • Handles Phoenix monsoon winds well

  • Easily available and inexpensive

🟢 Other Good (But Slightly Slower) Choices:

🌴 Mediterranean Fan Palm (Chamaerops humilis)

• Growth Rate: Moderate

• Height: 10–15 feet (multi-trunked, bushy look)

• Cold Tolerance: ~15°F

• Great for: Smaller yards or decorative landscaping

• Bonus: Very low maintenance and drought-resistant

🌴 Pygmy Date Palm (Phoenix roebelenii)

• Growth Rate: Slow

• Height: 6–12 feet

• Cold Tolerance: ~25°F (needs protection in hard freezes)

• Best for: Shadier spots and smaller spaces

• Note: Needs more water than other palms

⚠️ Palms to Avoid in Phoenix:

💡 Pro Tips for Growing Palms in Phoenix:

• Plant in fall or early spring for best root establishment.

• Use deep, infrequent watering (e.g., once per week in summer).

• Fertilize 3x per year with a palm-specific blend (high in potassium & magnesium).

• Protect young palms from strong sun in first summer.

🌴 Simple Palm Tree Care Guide (Phoenix, AZ)

🌞 1. Sunlight

• Mexican Fan Palm – Full sun (ideal)

• Mediterranean Fan Palm – Full sun to partial shade

• Pygmy Date Palm – Prefers partial shade (can sunburn in full exposure)

💧 2. Watering

• Newly planted palms:

  • Water 2–3 times per week for the first 3–4 months.

• Established palms:

  • Water deeply once a week in summer

  • Every 2–3 weeks in winter

💡 Use a slow deep soak (a hose for 30–45 minutes at the base).

🌿 3. Fertilizing

• Use a palm-specific fertilizer with potassium, magnesium, and micronutrients.

• Apply 3 times a year:

  • March

  • June

  • September

🛑 Avoid over-fertilizing – it can burn roots and damage the palm.

✂️ 4. Pruning

• Trim only dead, brown fronds — not green ones.

• For Mexican Fan Palms, fronds droop down and may need trimming once or twice a year.

• Use clean, sharp tools, and never cut too close to the trunk.

🪵 5. Mulching

• Use 2–3 inches of mulch around the base (not touching the trunk).

• Helps retain soil moisture and regulate heat.

🧤 6. Cold Protection (for Pygmy Date Palm mainly)

• During frost warnings, cover with:

  • Burlap

  • Frost cloth

  • Old sheet

• Do this if temperatures drop below 28–30°F.

📝 Quick Reference Chart

Palm Trees in Phoenix, Tempe, & More

We offer palm tree trimming services in the Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, and surrounding areas. As an added bonus we are experienced and certified arborists, which means that we will do our best to restore your tree to its former health. However, we do know that this is not always possible in every situation which is why we also offer palm tree removal services to keep you and your property safe from harm. Worried about how much it is going to cost? Check out our palm tree trimming cost guide.