The Perfect Palm Guarantee™ Care Protocols

The long-term health and survival of your specialized, cold-hardy palm trees are contingent upon proper care, particularly during the critical winter months. Adherence to the following protocols is mandatory to ensure the validity of your Perfect Palm Guarantee™.1 Failure to follow these established care standards, especially regarding cold weather protection and environmental suitability, will result in the forfeiture of your guarantee rights.

I. General Care and Seasonal Maintenance (Year-Round)

Consistent maintenance ensures your palm remains healthy, robust, and resilient enough to withstand seasonal stress.

1. Fertilization:

To prevent deficiencies (such as yellow spots) and promote strong growth, feed your palm trees regularly with a high-quality, specialized granular palm tree fertilizer. This blend should provide the necessary micro- and macro-nutrients designed for all types of palm trees. We recommended Peter's 20-20-20 blend. DO NOT FERTILIZE IN THE WINTER TIME BETWEEN FIRST FROST AND LAST FROST OF THE SEASON. 

2. Pruning:

Proper pruning should be performed before the cold weather season begins. Remove only dead or damaged fronds. Do not prune green fronds, as the palm uses them to store nutrients and energy critical for winter survival.

3. Watering:

While proper water drainage is ensured during our professional installation, customers must manage the water intake seasonally. Palm trees generally require less water during colder months, so you should reduce watering frequency in the winter.4

II. Critical Cold Weather Protection Protocols (Mandatory)

The primary vulnerability for palms in  Georgia is the unpredictable cold snap. These measures are required preventative steps to protect your investment and maintain your guarantee status.

1. Strategic Siting and Wind Protection:

If you were involved in choosing the planting location, or if you have containerized palms, ensure they are situated in a warm, sunny spot. The location must be well-protected from prevailing cold winter winds, specifically those originating from the north and west. Planting or positioning palms close to the south or east sides of a structure leverages the residual heat of the building for added protection.

2. Pre-Freeze Deep Hydration:

The day before any anticipated freezing temperatures or a major cold snap arrives, you must thoroughly water the palm tree.8 Ensure the entire root ball is saturated. This essential step helps insulate the root system, aiding in keeping it warm during the freeze event.

3. Root Zone Insulation (Mulching):

Apply a thick layer of organic mulch over the planting site immediately before the onset of cold weather.8 Mulching is critical for insulating the root zone during cold spells and adds warmth to the foundation of the plant. Note: For smaller palms, burying them under a mound of mulch can provide effective temporary protection, but this mulch must be removed immediately once the weather warms to prevent rot.

4. Active Canopy Warming:

During periods of freezing temperatures, stringing holiday lights (non-LED, traditional incandescent lights work best for heat generation) throughout the palm’s canopy will help generate residual warmth to protect the plant tissue. Moving blankets help with wrapping the trunk but must be protected against moisture. 

5. Protection for Young and Vulnerable Palms:

Young palm trees are significantly more vulnerable to cold damage than mature palms and require extra vigilance and protection.

III. Perfect Palm Guarantee™ Disclaimer and Enforcement

The Perfect Palm Guarantee™ provides a one-time store credit for a replacement plant if the original fails within 365 days due to issues outside of customer negligence or environmental unsuitability.

The Guarantee is Immediately Voided If:

  1. Environmental Suitability: The palm tree or tropical plant was purchased or planted in an environment not suitable for your growing zone. Our experts advise on suitable cold-hardy varieties, but the ultimate responsibility for the long-term environment rests with the buyer.

  2. Lack of Care: Photo verification of a claim may be required. If the palm fails due to clear evidence of neglect, such as lack of proper winter protection protocols outlined above, fertilization,  over/under watering, etc, the guarantee will be voided.

  3. Operational Costs: If a claim is validated and a replacement store credit is issued, the customer is explicitly responsible for all costs associated with obtaining the replacement. This includes, but is not limited to, the replacement plant delivery, replacement plant installation, and any related sales tax.