Palms are monocotyledon and they have either one body or many bodies that are not branched out. Any damages on the body leave a scar as cambium shell doesn’t exist. Most of the bodies of palm species are in the shape of filaments that grow at the bottom of body. If a root is cut or broken, the plant generally dies. Although palms can be transplanted at any time of year, warm spring and summer months are generally preferred as root growth is fast in these months (Harris, 1988). Transplantation in our country should be made in summer because of climatic conditions; transplanted palms’ roots die during the process and soil heat is needed in order to ensure the development of new roots. According to the research in Mediterranean Region, it was determined that transplantations should be done on April, May and June; and if there is not a chance to make transplantation in these months, then the period between September-November should be the second choice (Anonymous 2012 d).
Before carrying palm fronds (each one of pieces that constitute the crusty structure of tree body), leaving 6 or 8 per body pruning is a general rule as each body has an eye and it should be protected. Annuluses of leaves besides the eye are generally separated in order to prevent from the pressure in eye when fronds are tied. Less leaves are suggested for urgent transplantation of palms. Long sticks should be tied to body in order to support palms that have long thin bodies (Phoenix redinata Jacq. Fragm. and Acoelorrhaphe wrightii (Griseb. & H. Wendl.) (Himelick, 1981).
Plantation of palms is similar with the other trees. Planting pit is dug wider than the root ball. Crumbled stones that are removed from the pit are used for refilling. Palm should sit on the palm pit which is very important for palms as they have curved body. Palms should be put in 75-125 mm deeper than their original position in order to prevent development of new root. Many kinds of mixtures can be used in filling the planting pit such as sand and soil with vegetal mixture. These soils should be around the root and be irritated very well (Harris, 1988). Leaves on shoot should be tied around the leaf that grown the latest in a way to protect the leaf (Anonymous 2012 d).
In order to ensure immobility, palm should be tied with steel topes but nails or screws shouldn’t be stuck into the body. Protector bars that are placed around the body protect them from stuck (Harris, 1988). If the bottom part of body moves, thin roots that newly develop split and the plant cannot grow. In order to prevent this, palm body thickness should be measured and metal circle should be prepared; then, this circle should be mounted onto the body and the tree should be set from 4 sides. Steel circle is made of 2 hemicycles that can be affixed on 1/3 bottom part of the tree. These hemicycles are connected to one another with two screws. Additionally, 4 ringers for setting steel rope on
the circle (Anonymous 2012 d). Single body palms are piled on Lorries and treys and carried. Palms that have wide and many stems should be laid on truck haulage and be tied with one stem in order to increase stability and the width of the load (Harris, 1988).
Newly planted palms should be irrigated very well in the first season. They should be irrigated slowly, twice in a week for 8 hours during the first two months, after that period, they should be irrigated once in a week for 12 hours. This process can be carried out in well drained soil. Fronds of newly planted palms pale especially because of alkali soil, cold weather or due to the lack of manganese or iron. This is why; necessary mineral elements and fertilizers should be added into the soil (Harris, 1988).
