[princesspat]

We were all set to plant two ribbon palms to frame our house. Now we've heard that if you plant them too close to the house(close enough that the leaves are by the roof), bugs will jump onto your house and be a problem. When we look around, we see plenty of houses that have used palms to frame the house, so what's the right answer?

[CFrance]

Also, if the palm fronds scrape the roof, they take the crystals off of the shingles, which is not good.

[njbchbum]

Squirrels and other critters can also jump from the trees onto the roof and perhaps take up residence with you!

[Uptown Girl]

I know Ribbon Palms get 30 ft. tall, research to see if you can find out how broad that Palm's canopy can be expected to grow. Divide that in half, then add some space. If you can not find reliable info, I would stay 8 ft. away from the house AT MINIMUM.

Besides any critter issue, you will need access all around for trimming and removing boots. Any fronds that rub against the house will become tattered quickly and as others have pointed out, it is not good for the house exterior to continually have vegetation against it. (encourages moss, mold, etc.)

Ribbon Palm frond tips are especially susceptible to getting frayed and shredded, even by strong winds alone.

[LndLocked]

I would sincerely suggest (with a lifetime of Fla living/yard work experience) that the perfect distance away from your house for a palm tree is ..... across the street in your neighbors yard.

[Lovey2]

Originally Posted by LndLocked

I would sincerely suggest (with a lifetime of Fla living/yard work experience) that the perfect distance away from your house for a palm tree is ..... across the street in your neighbors yard.

Too funny!! all my neighbor's here got palm trees planted and were curious as to why we weren't. I simply said, I've had palm trees for 25 years, I'm just happy looking at yours now!!

[billethkid]

Originally Posted by Lovey2

Too funny!! all my neighbor's here got palm trees planted and were curious as to why we weren't. I simply said, I've had palm trees for 25 years, I'm just happy looking at yours now!!

We have been here 11 years and back then we decided we wanted a tropical look to the property. ( queen palms, robilini palm, sylvestri palm and 3 or 4 sego palms.

If I had to do it over again the only palms I would have are the sego. They are cold tolerant, not fast growing and easy to care for. The rest? Queens....way too much maintenence and if you don't they make a mess of the surrounding area. Need professional trimming twice per yer. The sylvestri and robilini not as often.

Look nice....dirty....expensive....and yes the do house critters. You name it and they are there...squirrels, rats, possum and snakes.

Also look for palms native to the area...tha will rule out most of them!

I like the suggestion of having them in your neigbors yard.

[OCsun]

Sego Palms are poisonous to pets.

[Bonanza]

Originally Posted by Lovey2

Too funny!! all my neighbor's here got palm trees planted and were curious as to why we weren't. I simply said, I've had palm trees for 25 years, I'm just happy looking at yours now!!

I'm with you!
We've been in Florida too long and don't have one palm.
We want trees -- either for shade or ones that flower!

[Bonanza]

Another poster mentioned that 8 feet would be the minimum for a palm. Too close!
Even 12 feet is too close to your foundation.
And don't forget, rats make their home in the canopy and it's just a quick jump on to your roof.