Transplanting A Sago Palm

I decided that I had needed to relocate my Sago Palm in my front lawn since it was situated under a large Red Maple Tree. The Sago (not really a palm) was growing at an angle as it was reaching around the canopy of the tree for sunlight. The minimal bit of information that was available online had suggested that this task be completed in the early Spring, however I was determined to get the job completed in September.

In short, the bottom row was removed and the leaves were lifted so that I could tie them up and keep them clear of my work. Note that they are very prickly and the work would be very difficult without doing this. The roots were then exposed and a shovel and pick were used to carefully locate the bottom of the roots. I did not cut any roots larger than the diameter of a pencil.
Assistance was required to avoid letting the Sago fall over and destroy the root sytem.

A new hole had already been dug and prepared for the transplant. We carefully lifted the Sago and moved it to its new home. I then filled in the hole with some general purpose potting soil and fertilized with some Medina Hasta Grow. I watered it well and continued to do so on occasion to stimulate the recovery of the root system.

Special attention was given to the angle and depth of the new position. I attempted to place it in an upright position about five centimeters deeper than its original position. The result of the transplant is pictured below.


I would like to thank my good friend, Sun Moran, for his valuable assistance. It has been six months since we relocated the Sago and I have never seen it in a healthier condition. I have also since, filled in the dirt with sod (grass) and placed a circle of mulch around the bottom perimeter of the Sago.


A. Rivera
March 2008