Years ago, I dreamed of giving my garden a tropical flair, so I thought of planting a windmill palm tree. Honestly, before planting it, I kept asking myself the same question: ‘How fast do windmill palm trees grow?’

 

I found the answer to my question after planting and growing the trees. So, if you are planning to plant windmill palm trees, you need to know a few things about this beautiful slow-grower—from growth rate to care tips that can help speed things up.

 

What Is a Windmill Palm?

The windmill palm tree ((Trachycarpus fortunei) is an evergreen and everlasting palm. It belongs to the Arecaceae family. These trees are famous for their ability to thrive in colder climates- USDA Zones 8 to 11. Furhtermore; they can tolerate snow and sub-freezing temperatures as low as 10°F.As a result, this rare ability makes them one of the few tropical-looking palms suitable for temperature regions.

 

Its name comes from the rounded, fan-shaped fronds that sit atop a slender, hairy trunk, forming a windmill-like silhouette. These fibers aren’t just aesthetic—they’ve been used historically to make ropes, mats, and brooms.

 

Growth Rate: How Fast Does It Grow?

Windmill palms exhibit noticeably slow growth. If these trees get the ideal conditions, they can grow up to 12 to 18 inches per year. A mature palm tree is expected to reach between 10 to 20 feet. However,in warmer climates, they can top 40 feet over many decades.

Those planted in cooler zones (like Zone 7) typically stay under 10 feet and need added protection from winter winds and cold soil.

 

Want Faster Growth? Try These Proven Tips:

1. Consistent Soil Moisture
2. While drought-tolerant, Windmill Palms grow faster in moist but well-drained soil.

During warm months, water is 1–2 inches per week.

In cooler months, reduce watering to avoid soggy roots and root rot.

Use the Right Fertilizer

Choose a slow-release, granular fertilizer specifically formulated for palm trees.

Look for one that contains:

Magnesium

Iron

Manganese

Boron

 

Apply fertilizer three times a year—spring, summer, and early autumn.

 

Maximize Soil Warmth

Palm roots grow faster in soil temperatures above 70°F.

In early spring, pull back the mulch to let sunlight warm the soil.

Make sure your palm gets plenty of sunlight, especially in spring and fall.

 

Common Problems (and Simple Fixes)

The Windmill Palm is a low-maintenance tree, especially in cooler climates. But like any plant, it can face some issues:

Pests: Palm aphids and scale insects may appear but are easily managed with insecticide.

 

Diseases: Rare, but watch out for yellowing leaves and root rot from poor drainage.

 

Pruning: Only remove dead fronds.

 

Don’t cut off yellow fronds—they still provide nutrients.

Avoid pruning before storms. Contrary to popular belief, pruning weakens the tree, reducing its ability to withstand strong winds.

 

 Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Wait?

 

While Windmill Palms aren’t fast growers, their striking tropical look and cold hardiness make them a worthy addition to any landscape—especially for gardeners outside traditional palm-growing regions.

 

With the right care—moist soil, proper fertilizer, and warmth—you can encourage steady, healthy growth year after year.

 

So yes, patience is key. But once those fan-like fronds start waving in the breeze, you’ll know it was worth every moment.