Windmill Palm Tree

The Windmill Palm Tree typically grows to 20 to 30 feet tall with a canopy spread of 6 to 10 feet at maturity. It has a slender trunk topped with a rounded crown of fan-shaped, tropical-looking fronds, giving it a dramatic yet space-saving profile—perfect for smaller landscapes or tight planting areas.

Windmill Palm Trees have a slow to moderate growth rate, adding about 6 to 12 inches per year under ideal conditions. While not a fast grower, its manageable pace makes it a great choice for homeowners looking for easy maintenance and long-term structure without rapid overgrowth.

Plant your Windmill Palm Tree in a sunny to partly shaded location with well-draining soil. It thrives in USDA Zones 7–11 and is one of the most cold-hardy palms, tolerating temperatures down to 5–10°F once established. Choose a spot sheltered from strong winds to prevent leaf damage and protect the trunk in colder climates.

For multiple trees, space Windmill Palms at least 8 to 12 feet apart to give each one room for its canopy to spread and to allow for airflow between trunks. This spacing ensures healthy growth and creates a dramatic, staggered tropical effect when used in group plantings.

Plant Windmill Palm Trees at least 6 to 8 feet away from your home or structures. This distance allows for the canopy to expand without interfering with walls, gutters, or windows, while also preventing root pressure on foundations or underground utilities.

Here’s how to plant it successfully:
1. Choose a well-drained site with sun to partial shade.
2. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
3. Gently remove the palm from its container and loosen the roots if compacted.
4. Place the tree in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the ground.
5. Backfill with native soil, tamp gently, and water thoroughly.
6. Add a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base (keeping mulch away from the trunk).

Water consistently for the first few months to help roots establish.

Once established, Windmill Palms are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant. Here’s a care guide:
• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade (4–6+ hours of sun daily)
• Water: Water deeply once or twice a week until established; after that, water occasionally during dry spells
• Soil: Prefers well-draining soil—amend heavy clay for better drainage
• Fertilizer: Use a palm-specific fertilizer 2–3 times a year during the growing season
• Mulching: Mulch to retain moisture and protect roots, but don’t pile mulch against the trunk

Its thick trunk and tough fronds make it one of the most durable palms for cooler climates.

Windmill Palms are cold-hardy down to 5°F, but winter protection helps in extreme cold:
• Mulch heavily around the base (2–4 inches) to insulate roots
• Wrap the trunk with burlap or frost cloth if temperatures drop below 15°F
• In very cold zones, cover the crown with a breathable material on the coldest nights
• Avoid late-season pruning or fertilizing, which can encourage tender new growth prone to frost damage

Established trees are remarkably resilient, even through snowy winters.

Pruning is minimal and mostly cosmetic:
• Remove dead or damaged fronds at the base using clean, sharp shears
• Only trim fronds that are fully brown or yellowing—green fronds are still helping the tree photosynthesize
• Cut flower or fruit stalks if desired to maintain a clean appearance

Avoid over-pruning, as removing too many fronds can weaken the tree.

Yes—Windmill Palms are excellent for containers, especially when young:
• Choose a pot that’s at least 18–24 inches wide with drainage holes
• Use well-draining potting mix, such as cactus or palm soil blend
• Place the container in full sun to partial shade
• Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and fertilize monthly during the growing season

Container-grown palms are ideal for patios, pool areas, and colder zones where you can move them indoors during winter.

We process and ship your order as quickly as possible, typically within 1-3 business days. You will receive a shipping confirmation with tracking information once your item(s) ship.

We have perfected packaging and shipping plants & trees! That is why we DO NOT use any third-party fulfillment like most other online retailers. Your trees go straight from our farm to your door, safely packaged by our team of seasoned professionals. Our process ensures your plants leave our facility and arrive to your door in the best condition possible!

In cases of extreme cold or hot weather, we may temporarily delay shipping to ensure the well-being of your plants. Our primary focus is on delivering healthy and thriving plants to you. Rest assured, we'll make every effort to notify you of any delays promptly.

Please allow additional ship times during inclement weather and sale periods. We do not process or ship orders on the weekend or U.S. Holidays. Simply Trees is not responsible for delays due to carriers, local disruptions, or weather.

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Learn more about our Shipping Policy

At Simply Trees, we're committed to your satisfaction. If your plants arrive considerably damaged or sustained damage beyond the point of recovery, please contact us within five days at sales@simplytrees.com with clear photos of the entire plant in question for assistance. Our 1 year guarantee covers issues after planting, subject to our terms. We can't cover plants in the wrong climate or with inadequate care, but we're here to help in other situations. For a detailed understanding of our 1 year guarantee and how we ensure a fair process, click here to learn more.

All California orders require a mandatory inspection by the Texas Department of Agriculture (yep, it’s a USDA thing!). These inspections happen about once a week—typically on Tuesdays, though the day can vary. If you place an order just after an inspection, your plant may not ship for several days until the next one. Unfortunately, we’re not able to expedite this part of the process.

Also, due to USDA regulations, we’re unable to ship oak trees, citrus or fruit trees (except olive trees) to California. This rule helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases and applies to nurseries across the country.

Thanks for your patience—we’ll make sure it’s worth the wait.