Visiting the farm to pick your own Sylvester palm is the best way to choose the exact tree you want. Walk the rows, look at each palm up close, and see the trunk, crown, and root ball in person. Call ahead so Jerry or the crew can meet you in the field.
Why walking the rows beats buying sight unseen
A photo shows only one angle. A palm can look full from the road and sparse from the side. Trunk shape, crown fullness, and trunk height all matter once the palm is in your yard. Standing next to a palm lets you judge those details with your own eyes.
Sight-unseen buying leaves room for surprises. A palm that looks right online may not fit the space you planned. Walking the rows helps you match the palm to your site before anything is loaded or delivered.
Call ahead before you drive out
Plan your visit with a quick phone call. Call 772-778-3006 before you come, so the farm knows you are on the way. Jerry meets customers in the field, and a short call helps make sure he is available when you arrive.
Tell the team what you have in mind. Share the size you want, the planting spot, and any deadlines. That lets them pull likely candidates ahead of time, so your visit is focused and easier.
What is a Sylvester palm?
The Sylvester palm is also called the Phoenix sylvestris Robusta, the India date palm, or the silver date palm. It is a field-grown palm, not a container plant. That matters for how it looks and how it roots. A field-grown palm has been growing in the ground on our farm in Vero Beach, FL.
Palms are graded as specimen or Florida Fancy. Ask which grade a palm holds before you choose. The grade helps you compare palms side by side in the rows.
What to look at when you choose
Take your time in the rows. A good visit is a careful one. Look at the following features on every palm you consider.
- Trunk. Check for a straight, sturdy trunk with a clean shape. Look for scars, damage, or soft spots.
- Crown. Look at the fronds. A full, balanced crown often means a healthy palm. Note any dead or broken fronds.
- Height. Sizes run from 7 ft overall height up to 9 ft of clear trunk. Some specimens go over 20 ft overall height. Decide how tall you need the palm to be before you walk out.
- Root wrap. The root ball should be wrapped and secure. Ask how the crew protects it during loading.
- Overall look. Stand back and see how the palm sits in the row. Ask whether it matches the look you want for your yard.
Bring a tape measure and a notepad. Measure the space where the palm will go. Note the clear trunk height you need and any overhead lines or structures. Write down the palms you like best, so you can compare them before you decide.
Questions to ask the grower
Ask questions while you walk. Ask how the palm was grown and how long it has been in the field. Ask what grade it holds. Ask how the palm has handled the weather in Vero Beach. Ask what care it needs in the first weeks after planting.
Jerry can also explain the planting steps that matter most. Good questions lead to better choices and fewer surprises once the palm is home.
How delivery works after you choose
Delivery is available for every order. The crew root-wraps the palm in the field, loads it with a loader onto a trailer or flatbed, and delivers it to your site. Delivery price is not published, so call 772-778-3006 with your planting address to get a quote.
Plan the planting spot before the day of delivery. Clear the area, check access for the trailer or flatbed, and make sure someone is home to receive the palm. A clear plan makes the drop-off smoother for everyone.
Plant soon after delivery
Plant the palm as soon as possible after it arrives. If planting must wait, keep the root wrap on and place the palm in a shady, well-ventilated spot. Do not let it sit in the sun or in standing water.
When you plant, dig the hole about twice as wide as the root ball. Keep the hole only as deep as the palm was grown. Never bury the trunk. Backfill with a soil and gravel mix, pack out air pockets, and build a soil dam so water stays at the root zone. Soak the planting area fully.
After planting, water daily or every other day for the first two weeks. Consistent care in those first weeks helps the palm settle into its new home.
Fertilizing and everyday care
Fertilize in spring, summer, and early fall with a slow-release fertilizer. Look for a product that contains manganese, magnesium, potassium, iron, and copper sulfates. Follow the label directions, and keep fertilizer away from the trunk.
The farm describes the Sylvester palm as cold-hardy, disease and pest resistant, wind tolerant, and low maintenance once established. Those traits can make it a good fit for many Vero Beach yards. Still, every yard is different, so ask about your site during your visit.
Why pick your own from our farm
Sylvestris Tree Farms is based on our farm in Vero Beach. Choosing your palm in person gives you control over the final pick. You see the palm, the trunk, and the crown before you commit. You can ask questions face to face and walk away knowing exactly what you are buying.
If you are curious how our delivery and planting work, read our guide on who we are and how the farm works. It covers the farm and the team behind every palm.
Planning your visit
A farm visit takes a little planning. Pick a day, call ahead, and bring your measurements. Walk the rows, compare palms, and ask questions. Note your favorites and talk through the delivery plan before you leave.
Ready to walk the rows? Call Sylvestris Tree Farms at 772-778-3006 to plan your visit. You can also review our Sylvester date palms before you come, so you know what to look for when you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to visit the farm to buy a Sylvester palm?
No, delivery is available for every order. A farm visit lets you pick the exact palm, which many buyers prefer.
How do I schedule a farm visit?
Call 772-778-3006 before you come. Jerry meets customers in the field, so a call ahead helps make sure he is there when you arrive.
What size Sylvester palms are available?
Sizes run from 7 ft overall height up to 9 ft of clear trunk, with some specimens over 20 ft overall height. Ask about the options during your visit.
How soon should I plant after delivery?
Plant as soon as possible. If planting must wait, keep the root wrap on and keep the palm in a shady, well-ventilated spot.