The Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) is one of the most cold-tolerant palm trees in the world — making it a perfect choice for homeowners in the Northeast who want a tropical look without worrying about harsh winters. If you’ve ever dreamed of creating a resort-style yard but thought palms couldn’t survive here, the Windmill Palm is the exception.
At Suffolk Palms, we deliver Windmill Palms across Long Island, the Hamptons, New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania — and they continue to be one of the most popular cold-hardy palms we offer.
❄️ How Cold Can Windmill Palms Tolerate?
Windmill Palms are surprisingly durable:
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Hardy down to 10–5°F with protection
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Tolerates snow, frost, and winter wind
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Ideal for zones 7–10
In the Northeast, that means they can survive winter with minimal care.
🌞 Where to Plant Your Windmill Palm
Choose a location that gives your palm the best chance to thrive:
✔ Full Sun to Partial Shade
Windmill Palms enjoy plenty of light but can tolerate partial shade.
✔ Well-Draining Soil
They do not like standing water. If your soil stays wet, consider a raised bed.
✔ Sheltered from Strong Winds
The “windmill” fronds handle wind well, but cold winter wind protection is helpful.
💧 Watering Your Windmill Palm
Windmill Palms are low-maintenance, but water is important:
Newly Planted (First 2–3 Months)
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Water 2–3 times per week
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Keep soil consistently moist but never muddy
Established Palms
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Water once per week in summer
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During heatwaves, increase to 2x per week
In winter, natural rainfall is usually enough.
🌱 Fertilizing Your Windmill Palm
Feed your palm 3 times a year:
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Early spring
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Mid-summer
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Early fall
Use a palm-specific fertilizer with magnesium and potassium for strong fronds.
❄️ Winter Care for Windmill Palms in the Northeast
This is why the Windmill Palm is so popular — winter care is easy.
Minimal Winter Protection (Zones 7–8):
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Wrap trunk loosely with burlap
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Add mulch around base
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Tie up fronds if heavy snow is expected
Moderate Protection (Zones 6–7):
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Wrap with burlap + breathable frost cloth
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Use a small heat source(c9 christmas lights work-attach a thermal cube to regulate electricity) only during extreme cold nights (15°F or below)
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Never use plastic — it traps moisture
Most homeowners on Long Island, NYC, and New Jersey only need light wrapping for the coldest weeks.
🌴 Why Homeowners Love Windmill Palms
Windmill Palms are:
✔ Cold-hardy
✔ Low-maintenance
✔ Slow-growing and manageable
✔ Perfect for patios, pools, and landscapes
✔ Long-lasting (some live 50+ years)
They bring an instant resort feel without the high maintenance of tropical palms.
🚚 Want a Windmill Palm Delivered to Your Home?
Suffolk Palms delivers Windmill Palms across:
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Long Island
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The Hamptons
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NYC
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New Jersey
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Connecticut
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Rhode Island
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Massachusetts
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Pennsylvania
We handle delivery, unloading, and placement — making it easy to transform your outdoor space.
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