The main objective when attempting to establish field-harvested palms such as the Canary Island Date Palm is to regrow the palm root system. Until the root system has regrown the palm is living on stored water and energy that is in the root tissue and the palm stem: the accurate and timely application of water is the key to regrowing the root system. Sunset Palms recommends that a drip system on a separate dedicated valve just for the palms be used for this purpose. This system should be kept in place for the establishment period of 12 to 24 months.

The palms do have some limited ability to absorb water with the partial root system that they come with but it is essential to water the palms correctly in order to promote the growth of healthy new root systems. I would also advise that the palms be allowed to go through the wet/dry cycle that is fundamental to most plants. In other words allow the palms to dry out somewhat between waterings. If the palm root systems are kept in a saturated condition continuously they will begin to rot. These root infections will with time move into the vascular system of the palm and the palm will die. After approximately 2 years the drip system can be shut off and the palm will draw water from the surrounding landscape depending on the situation.

During hot or summer months a thorough wetting of the rootballs every 5 days is good. In the cooler spring and fall weather one time per week is good. When it rains a lot do not water the palms unless the crown of the palms prevents any water from reaching the rootballs - this is a more common problem on shorter Canary palms. In the winter the frequency should be less depending on daytime temperatures and rain - use your common sense in this situation. On thing to bear in mind is that with a light rain the surface soil will appear wet but lower down the soil can be very dry - this is especially important when the Santa Ana winds blow. These winds can desiccate the soil very quickly - again you have to use your judgment and experience when watering at this time of the year.

The best system is one where a skilled person with a soil tube is monitoring the situation on a daily or at least weekly basis. Use the same person, that way he or she can get a feel for how the palms are using water. I would strongly suggest that the proper watering of the palms be given the highest priority in the future to insure palm establishment