Transplanting Sago Palms

Question

I have a very large sago palm (eight feet) with two pups about three feet and a couple of small pups. It looks like all the palms are grown together in one big trunk. How do I split them up and transplant this large palm tree without killing the plant?

Answer 1

Sago palms do not like to be disturbed so any transplanting needs to be done with great care. Mature palms can be transplanted in early spring or late fall. Be sure to relocate the plant in a similar area, under the same or similar growing conditions--full sun, well-draining soil, etc. Include as much of the root system as possible when digging up and moving it. You may also want to consider trimming the plant back to prevent transplant shock. Here is an article that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/learn-how-to-avoid-and-repair-transplant-shock-in-plants.htm This article will tell you how to split the pups (bottom of article): https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/sago-palm/prune-sago-palm.htm