[shcisamax]

I am actually going to use rock in back where the lanai/pool area is located and the machinery on the side. I won't be doing too much complicated landscaping there so figure the rock will look more tropical around the pool and outdoor area. In front, where I am going to want to play a little with different plants at different times, it will be mulched. It will be interesting to see if one outperforms the other.

[Mikeod]

Originally Posted by djohnson

I was interested in who had Palms that lasted longer than 3 years here, that's all, and if the rock did impact those plants that have been established for a long time here. I am new so just asking for more information from the group on TOTV.

I've had my queen palms for almost 7 years and they've had rock around them all that time except against the trunk. The one that was taken out developed a problem about 3-4 feet above the soil line, definitely not due to the rock.

[tucson]

I had 3 Queen Palms for 3 yrs. and when TV got hit by the big tornado, it did'nt uproot any of them, but it DID reck my house......

[Uptown Girl]

My neighbors have Mule Palms. I am told they are a hybrid of Queen Palms x King palms. They have a larger diameter trunk than Queens and were developed to withstand a bit colder temps. They are nice looking!

In addition to the possibility of internal freezing of Queens during sustained cold/freeze spells, there is a possibility of a palm virus migrating to Central Florida that Queens will be susceptible to.

It has been recorded in Florida now (not HERE yet) and is something new, so not much is known about it.
This happens in the plant world sometimes. For one example,

Sago Palms have been prone to a disease or virus (for the last few years) that is severely causing their numbers to dwindle here. Some Sagos are resistant to the virus, but some are not and so on the ones with impaired resistance, often scale (insects) settle inside where they are hidden and the combo of scale and virus makes for the plant's certain demise over time.

I am told that there is no way to tell ahead of time if a Sago is virus-free or not and they have not developed a remedy, so for that reason, many are not selling them presently.

Long-lived Sagos have grown in Florida since the dinosaur age. They are called 'living fossils' in the plant world. Unfortunately, new viruses happen.

If you are concerned about the use of rock,
one thing you can do is to include low growing plants like creeping juniper or oyster plant in a diameter area around your palms. Then any rock used can be kept a bit away from the plant, and mulch will not be needed, as these plants will act as your ground cover.

That is cool that there was such a course at the College.
Did I mention I love this place?

[Rons Landscaping]

If you would refer to a post I made on 1-07-13 "TURN YOUR IRRIGATION OFF" you can read what I mentioned about Queen Palm survival here in The Villages. Also you can go to our web-site at www.ron'slandscapinginc.com and click on trees, you will see what cold weather does to Queen Palms. That picture was taken here in The Villages, and that damage was from a freeze that happened here a few years ago that is just showing up now.

Thanks Ron's Landscaping Inc.

[Serenoa]

Mule palms are typically a cross between a Pindo (Butia capitata) & a Queen (Syagarus romanzoffianum) and retain much of the Queen's appearance (greener than a Pindo) while being more cold hardy like the Pindo, and also much slower growing like the Pindo.

Here's a pic I took at Villages Palms of a Mule (on the left) and then a regular Queen to the right of it. I believe the Mule was in the $600 -$700 range.

Let me also say this. When we eventually move to TV I will not hesitate to plant Queens, Roebeliniis, Paurotis and other marginally hardy palms for that area. I currently grow butias, sabal palmettos & windmills up here in Alabama. Pretty sure I'll be more than ready to move on to the more "exotic". So far this winter our low temp here is 28F......tempting me more & more to roll the dice & plant a Sylvester. Hope our "warm" winters continue.

Happy palm growing to all......

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by Bobcuse

I have tried mulch, pine straw, bark nuggets and landscape rock in the past 10 years. I have now gone back to landscape rock but I pull the rock away from the base of plants and bushes to avoid the problem of overheating the soil above the plant roots during the summer season and have found this to be the best for me. Everyone has their own preferences and tastes, but I love the neat look of the rock and it is maintenance free. The other options all fade out in color and lose their good looks fairly quickly, but rocks always retain their neat aesthetic value. The other options also bring lots of ticks and spiders.

Could you give an idea of how far back you pull the rocks? Say, for ligustrum trees, bottlebrush umbrellas, and a crepe myrtle?

[Uptown Girl]

[QUOTE=Serenoa;625919]Mule palms are typically a cross between a Pindo (Butia capitata) & a Queen (Syagarus romanzoffianum)

Doing more research on my part confirms that you are absolutely right!
Good Job... Thanks!

[mickey100]

The mules make much more sense to me - you can possibly avoid that Queen Palm virus, they're not as tall, making for easier maintenance, and much more hardy. Perfect!

[jimbo2012]

where have you seen them and at what prices for the mules?

[gomoho]

Jimbo - the pics were taken at Village Palms and she quoted she believed the price for the mule between $600 and $700. They are pricey.

[jimbo2012]

yep there are not any deals over there that's for sure, I found a grower, sent an email for pricing.

So far I see 15 gallon size for about $75

3G $50, 30 gal $200

[bluedog103]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

You really don't have to explain why you posted, especially to a Jets fan. They are so frustrated.

Bogie, frustrated is an understatement. I could go on and on about my feelings but most of my comments would be profane so I'll just leave it them unsaid.

[angiefox10]

Actually... It is a good price. Check this out!

Floridas Best Trees - Mule Palms

Village Palms is a quality company... Family owned and has been around for awhile.

Be careful of the companies who haven't been around. As I said before. There are many good landscapers in The Villages. Drive around and check out landscaping in older villages... If you like something... stop and talk to the people who live there! We love to talk about what we have done to our homes! They will tell you who they used and if that person came back when there were problems... or even gave you your money back if you weren't completely satisfied! You don't have to do your landscaping right away! It's an expensive project... take your time!

[Serenoa]

Another Florida nursery that grows Mules is Moultrie Palms, up near St. Augustine. I've never bought from them, but have heard a lot of good things from other palm nuts like myself. They might be a little closer to TV, too than the nursery that Angiefox linked. If you have the means to transport I'm sure you could save quite a bit of money over buying one locally.

About Moultrie Palms