Question
I live in the Phoenix AZ area.  I want to move a pigmy palm, about 5 years old, from one area to another in the back yard.  Is there a best time of year to trasplant? Is there air temprature limitations? How far away from the trunk should i dig?

Answer
Hi JD, it should be pretty easy but you do want to get as much of the rootball as possible, with as little disturbance as possible; start about 4 feet out and begin to feel your way with your "long bladed" spade, gradually digging down and in as you progress. Have the new hole already dug (approximate size, of course..) so that when you do lift it clean, it will be immediately placed in its new location; water your Palm well about 3 hours before you begin, so that the Palm is well irrigated prior to being lifted. There are no limitations on when to do this (Winter is the only exception..), they never go dormant, so anytime is fine, make sure that it is planted no deeper then it was in its old location, this is paramount!. Once you place it in its new hole, begin backfilling and watering in that sequence, so that any air pockets are eliminated; after it is in the ground, it will need to be irrigated everyday for several weeks, (not wet feet!), just enough to keep the roots damp. Thats about it JD, any questions, give me a shout. Nick