Post #372545 by Tikinaut on Tue, Apr 8, 2008 7:12 PM

I've always wanted to add a large palm tree to my backyard Kapu Tiki garden. Unfortunately, I live in Wisconsin where it's cold most of the year. Right now it's April and it's about 36 degrees outside! No kidding. Anyway, the artificial palm trees I've seen online for sale are very expensive. Plus, the fact that I have to store these items during the winter months makes such a purchase cost prohibitive for me.

Instead, I decided to construct my own palm tree. The trunk of this tree is made from a round 8'x 5" post purchased from a local lumber yard. I mounted the post to a platform and then wrapped it with Tree Wrap purchased from a local garden center. This stuff is used to protect the trunks of trees from pests and damage. When wrapped around a post it looks very similar to a palm tree trunk. The husk at the top is coconut matting also purchased from the same garden store. The palm leaves I obtained from World Market. Using a drill I made holes in the top of the post and inserted the wire ends of the artificial fronds. Make sure the fit is snug so that the fronds don't get pulled out by the wind. This thing is huge. It stands about 10' tall with the fronds. The tree costs about $70 in materials to construct. It needs a few more fronds and I will also be adding coconuts and a monkey. The base will be camouflaged with rocks and mulch. I may construct two more of these trees for my backyard. (Winter just ended in Wisconsin, so note the lack of leaves on the trees--and my destroyed lawn!).