Sylvester palms are a practical choice for commercial landscapes in Florida. They are field-grown on our farm in Vero Beach, and they are root-wrapped and delivered to your site. Large orders take planning around delivery, site access, and planting, so it helps to start with a clear plan before the trailer arrives.
Why Commercial Projects Use Sylvester Palms
Sylvester palms, also called the Sylvester palm, India date palm, or silver date palm, have a clean, graceful look. They suit entrances, medians, parking areas, pool areas, and courtyards. They also fit a wide range of commercial plans, from a single feature palm to a long row along a drive.
The botanical name is Phoenix sylvestris Robusta. Knowing the exact name helps when you write up a plan, order palms, or talk with a crew about care.
Start With Your Site Plan
Before you order, walk the site with your plan in hand. Mark where each palm will go. Note the open space, overhead lines, nearby buildings, irrigation lines, and underground utilities. Think about how big the palm will grow and how much room it needs to sit comfortably over time.
Measure the paths that a delivery truck will take. A loader and a trailer or flatbed need clear access to the planting area. Narrow gates, low branches, and soft ground all affect delivery day, so note them early.
Choose the Right Size and Grade
Palms are sold in several sizes and grades. Our palms run from about 7 feet overall height, with clear trunk heights up to 9 feet. Some specimens grow over 20 feet overall height. Palms are graded as specimen and Florida Fancy, so you can match the grade to the look you want for the project.
Choose the size based on the feature you want. A taller palm makes a bold statement at an entrance. A smaller palm may work better in a long, even row. Ask yourself how the palm will look in five years, not just on delivery day.
Pick Palms in the Field
For a large order, we recommend walking the rows in person. Customers can visit the farm, walk through the palms, and pick the exact plants for the site. Seeing each palm in person helps you match trunk height, crown shape, and overall balance. Call ahead before you visit so we can plan for your time on the farm.
Bring a list of the sizes and quantities you need, plus a photo of the planting area if you have one. That helps the team point you toward the best options quickly.
Delivery Planning
Delivery is available for every order. The crew root-wraps the palm in the field, lifts it with a loader onto a trailer or flatbed, and delivers it to your site. Good delivery planning keeps the work safe and the palms healthy.
- Confirm the exact planting address and a contact person on site.
- Check that the truck has clear access to the planting area.
- Mark the spots where each palm will go before the truck arrives.
- Plan for a crew to unload and set the palms soon after delivery.
Delivery price is not published on our website. Call 772-778-3006 with your planting address, and we will give you a quote for your order.
Plant Quickly After Delivery
Plant as soon as you can after the palm arrives. If planting must wait, keep the root wrap on and place the palm in a shady, well-ventilated spot. Do not let the root ball dry out, and do not leave the palm sitting in the hot sun.
How to Set the Palm
Dig the hole about twice as wide as the root ball, but only as deep as the palm was grown. Planting too deep is a common mistake, so check the depth carefully. Never bury the trunk. The base of the palm should sit at the same level it had at the farm.
Backfill the hole with a mix of native soil and gravel, packing it firmly to remove air pockets. Build a soil dam around the edge of the hole so water stays where the roots need it. Then soak the palm fully. A deep soak helps the roots settle into the surrounding soil.
Water in the First Weeks
New palms need steady water while the roots settle. After planting, water daily or every other day for the first two weeks. Check the soil by hand before each watering. It should feel moist, not soggy. Adjust the schedule for rain, wind, and the heat of the day.
Once the palm is established, the watering schedule can change. Ask your landscape team how to adjust it for your site and the season.
Feed for Healthy Growth
Fertilize in spring, summer, and early fall with a slow-release fertilizer. Look for a product that includes manganese, magnesium, potassium, iron, and copper sulfates. These nutrients support strong fronds and healthy color. Follow the label directions, and keep fertilizer away from the trunk.
Low Maintenance Once Established
Sylvester palms are cold-hardy, resist many common diseases and pests, and tolerate wind well. Once they are established, they are low maintenance. That makes them a good fit for busy commercial sites where ongoing care has to fit a crew schedule.
Regular checks still matter. Look at the fronds, the trunk, and the base of the palm every few weeks. Remove dead fronds with care, and report any sign of stress early.
Plan With a Grower You Can Talk To
Working with a farm that grows the palms in the field gives you a direct line to the people who know them. Our owner, Jerry, meets customers in the field, so you can talk through your project in person. We serve Vero Beach and Indian River County.
Good planning starts with a clear list, a clear site, and a clear delivery window. Those three things make a big order much easier to manage.
Get a Quote for Your Project
If you are planning a commercial landscape, the next step is a conversation. Share your site address, your sizes, and your quantities. We will help you think through delivery, planting, and care so your project starts strong.
Ready to talk through your palm order? Call Sylvestris Tree Farms at 772-778-3006 to request a quote. You can also visit our delivery and planting page for more details, or contact us with your project questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Sylvester palms field-grown or containerized?
Our Sylvester palms are field-grown on the farm in Vero Beach, FL. They are root-wrapped in the field before delivery, which is a different process from container-grown plants.
How do I plant a Sylvester palm correctly?
Dig the hole about twice as wide as the root ball and only as deep as the palm was grown. Never bury the trunk. Backfill, pack out air pockets, build a soil dam, and soak the palm fully. Water daily or every other day for the first two weeks.
How do I get a delivery quote?
Delivery is available for every order, but the price is not published online. Call 772-778-3006 with your planting address and we will provide a quote.