Washingtonia Palm
About this species.
Mexican Fan Palm or Washingtonia (Washingtonia robusta) is the tallest commonly-planted palm in Florida — at maturity routinely exceeding 80 feet with a remarkably slim trunk. Heavily planted in 2000s+ Florida new construction. Lower hurricane wind-resistance than sabal palm, a lightning attractor, and a species that outgrows most residential lots within a decade.
Identification
- Very tall slim trunk with slight taper — often appears almost impossibly thin for the height.
- Classic 'pineapple skirt' of dead brown petioles below the crown (when not maintained) or a smooth shaved trunk (with regular cleanup).
- Costapalmate fan-shaped fronds with frayed thread-like fibers between segments.
- Comparatively small spherical crown of large fan fronds.
- Lower fronds shading to yellow-brown as they age.
- 60–100 ft typical mature height; some specimens approach 110 ft.
Where you'll see them
Master-planned communities and HOA boulevards across Southwest Florida, particularly developments built since the 2000s. Often planted in lined rows along entrance avenues, in clusters at community gates, and as accent specimens on residential lots. The species is everywhere in modern SW Florida landscape design.
The problems with Washingtonia
- Lightning attractor — tall isolated palms take strikes. A single lightning hit usually kills the palm outright.
- Outgrows most residential lots — a 10-year-old Washingtonia is already 30 ft tall, often above the roofline.
- Hurricane-vulnerable — UF/IFAS rates it 2/5 for wind resistance. Trunk failures are common in major storms.
- 'Pineapple skirt' frond drop hazard — old fronds can detach unexpectedly with significant weight.
- High maintenance for the polished look — frequent climbing trims required to keep the trunk skirted/clean.
Care notes if you have them
- Annual frond cleanup is typical — climb-up or bucket-truck access required for mature specimens.
- Pineapple skirt can stay for wildlife habitat (bats and small birds nest in it) or come off for tidiness. Either is acceptable.
- Pre-storm structural assessment matters — tall Washingtonias near structures are reasonable removal candidates.
- Lightning protection systems exist for high-value specimens but are uncommon on routine plantings.
What to know.
- Don't 'hurricane cut' (over-prune) — it weakens the palm and accelerates decline.
- Only remove fronds at a 9-and-3 (180°) angle or below — never above horizontal.
- Lower wind-resistance score — particularly vulnerable in hurricane-force winds. Pre-storm inspection recommended.
Frequently asked.
Should I plant a Washingtonia palm in my yard?
We'd advise against it for most residential lots. The mature size (80+ ft) outgrows almost any single-family-home setback within a decade. Sabal palm gives you native hurricane-tough Florida character; royal palm gives you the dramatic tall-palm look with vastly better hurricane performance. Both are better choices than Washingtonia for new plantings.
Why do Washingtonia palms get hit by lightning so often?
Florida is the lightning capital of the US, and Washingtonias are often the tallest object on a residential lot. Tall isolated trees take strikes — and a lightning strike on a Washingtonia palm usually kills the palm outright. The slim trunk has limited mass to absorb the discharge.
Can I keep the pineapple skirt for natural look?
Yes — it's purely cosmetic. The dead petiole skirt is actually wildlife habitat (bats and small birds nest in it) and protects the trunk from sun damage. Many natural-look landscapes leave it on lower trunks. Tidier landscapes shave the trunk smooth. Both are valid choices.
Services for washingtonia palms.
The work we do on washingtonia palms most often. Each card links straight to the service detail.