Question

RoyalPalmLean   QUESTION: We live in south Florida, Miami Beach, and just went through the minor (thank God!) inconvenience of Tropical storm Isaac.
Our neighbors have a Royal Palm which is easily 50' or 60' tall. None of the palm fronds up top snapped off during the storm. However, the tree started to majorly lean and in fact its roots are up against our fence which also serves as part of the wall of our garage. If this thing falls over, it would be disastrous for not only us but also the neighbors. Common sense would dictate some sort of action before this happens EXCEPT our neighbors are away for the summer and left no numbers to call.
Actual question is how strong are these roots, specially with the ground being water logged--would you call the city or wait for them to get back OR call their gardeners.
Any confidence in the Royal Palm's root system? Looking up at that monster swaying in these winds I'm not sure I am...
Thank you for your time...

ANSWER: Hi Philip,,Palms have pretty strong root systems....I had one in Charlie..(I'm in Punta Gorda# lean more then that and waited a good Month before I finally had someone come in with a back loader and gently push it back upright #after soaking the ground)..and it did fine; as far as coming down...that won't happen unless we get another big storm and even then it would probably just lean some more. The root system of a palm that big reaches out and down quite a ways and it should be fine. Call your City though to apprise them of the situation...I am sure they will tell you the same thing though...barring another Hurricane, it will stay that way until your neighbors get it moved back upright. As the ground dries up the roots will be even more secure. Nick

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RoyalPalm@wall   QUESTION: Dear Nick,
Thanks for the expediency of your reply.
That makes me feel more secure but I do have one other comment in regards to getting it pushed upright: I can't see that happening since doing so would more than likely take that wall, or part of the wall out with it.
I've attached a photo that shows how close to the garage wall it is. I guess however that depending on what a local tree guy says will determine if he can push it straight without too much damage as opposed to cutting it down. It IS amazing the tree would have been planted there all those years ago without regard to the way it would grow. This property was built in 1935 so I'd have to say "we were first".
Anyhow, I appreciate you taking time to answer and explaining the nature of the Royal Palm's root system. Frankly, I tried researching it on-line but had no definitive answers.
Thanks again,
Philip

Answer
The problem with many plantings, especially Palms, is when they are originally planted they are cute little sprigs, and many people do not visualize what they will look like 15 years down the road, hence this situation; again though, Palms have a fibrous type root system that is quite condensed, it isn't like an Oak tree which sends spreading roots out as far as 20 feet or more. So when it is pushed, (to straighten#, it will move upright without causing much collateral disruption. Do contact a local tree man though, #good idea) and get his opinion, but check his reviews first, so you know he is professional and not just a fly by night. Nick