Why tie newly planted palms upward?
Water of dug palms is stored in the trunk and lost through the leaves. For this reason, up to half of older living fronds may be removed for transport. The remaining fronds are tied together over the tender bud with a biodegradable twine to protect it from drying and sun scald. (On some species the bud may be actually splinted to protect it from breaking.) Depending on the time of year the palm is planted, the fronds should be left tied around the bud for 2 to 3 months. In arid climates, the chance of the twine actually rotting is slim. When new growth begins to bulge out below the point at which the fronds are tied, the rope may be cut to gradually release the foliage. Leave the old fronds in place for a month more to protect the bud and new leaves.
