Diagnosing Stunted Growth in Mexican Fan Palms

Healthy Crown, No Height = Root Barrier

A 6–8 year old Mexican fan palm (Washingtonia robusta) that looks healthy but won't grow taller likely has a subsurface obstacle: rock ledge, compacted hardpan, or competing roots preventing root expansion.

Solution

Transplant to a new location with deep, open soil. The palm's crown is ready; it's the roots that are confined. Moving a palm this size is heavy work but the only way to unlock its genetic height potential.