🌴 Best Palm Trees for Long Island & the Northeast (Cold-Hardy Options)

If you live in Long Island or anywhere in the Northeast, you may think palm trees can’t survive here — but the truth is, several palm varieties thrive beautifully, especially during the warm season. With the right selection (and a little winter care), you can enjoy a tropical backyard without leaving New York.

Below are the best palm trees for cold climates, which ones work for New York, and how to choose the right one for your home or business.

🌡️ Can Palm Trees Survive in Long Island?

Yes — with the right species.
Some palms are tropical-only, while others are cold-hardy, meaning they can tolerate cooler temperatures or be overwintered easily.

Here’s what matters:

• Your local temperature & frost conditions

• Whether the palm is staying outside year-round

• If you have indoor space for winter

• The size of the palm (larger palms handle cold better)

🥇 Top Palm Trees for Long Island & the Northeast

1. Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus Fortunei) — The Best Cold-Hardy Palm

Windmill Palms are the #1 recommended palm for the Northeast.
They are one of the most cold-tolerant palms in the world and can survive temperatures down to 10–15°F when mature.

Why Windmill Palms are perfect for NY:

• Cold-hardy

• Iconic “classic palm tree” look

• Great for pools, patios & landscapes

• Low maintenance

• Works in-ground or in large planters

Typical sizes we carry:

• 7 gallon (3–4 ft)

• 15 gallon (5–6 ft)

• 25 gallon (7–9 ft)
  

2. Christmas Palm (Adonidia Palm) — The Most Popular Tropical Look

Christmas Palms are not cold-hardy, but they are one of the most beautiful tropical palms you can grow during the warm months.

Why people love them:

• Slim, smooth trunk

• Perfect for modern pool areas

• Triple-stem varieties look amazing

• Fast-growing and clean

Cold rating:

Christmas Palms do best above 40°F — in NY they are used as seasonal palms and brought indoors or protected in winter.

3. Robellini Palm (Pygmy Date Palm) — Compact & Elegant

Robellini Palms are one of the most requested palms for patios, pools, and entrances.

Why it works in the Northeast:

• Grows well in pots

• Easy to overwinter in a garage or sunroom

• Soft, tropical look

• Works great in pairs

Cold rating:

Can handle down to 30°F, but prefers warm weather. Perfect seasonal palm.

4. Spindle Palm — Unique & Tropical

Spindle Palms give a beautiful island look with their bulged trunk and bright green canopy.

Why people choose it:

• Very tropical appearance

• Great accent palm

• Looks amazing near pools

Cold rating:

Prefers 60°F+, so it’s a seasonal outdoor palm in NY.

❄️ How to Protect Palm Trees in the Winter (Quick Guide)

Cold-Hardy Palms (like Windmill Palms):

• Mulch base heavily

• Use frost cloth during extreme cold

• Avoid wet, freezing roots

• Larger palms survive better than small ones

Tropical/Seasonal Palms (like Christmas, Spindle, Robellini):

🏡 Which Palm Tree Is Best for You?

Choose based on your needs:

✔️ Want a palm that lives outside longest?

Windmill Palm
(Hardiest, best for the Northeast)

✔️ Want a tropical resort look for your pool?

Christmas Palm or Spindle Palm

✔️ Want a compact palm for patios/entrances?

Robellini Palm

🚚 Palm Tree Delivery on Long Island & the Northeast

At Suffolk Palms, we deliver real tropical palms for homes, pools, restaurants, events, and commercial spaces.

We offer:

• Fast local delivery

• Professional placement

• Seasonal & year-round options

• Multiple sizes (7–45 gallon palms)

👉 Request delivery today