Artificial Palm Trees Article

Palm trees are a quick and easy way to spruce up any environment, from offices to homes. Palms add an instant silk touch that can breathe life into any space. However, like any living tree, palms require a fair amount of attention for proper growth. In today’s fast paced world, artificial palms are becoming more and more popular. While they can be made of many materials, the artificial palm trees are the ones garnering the majority of attention.

Silk palm trees can have a very high illusion of life and one could be forgiven for mistaking a specimen for an actual living palm. They are generally termed ‘silk palms’ as a means of differentiating them from plastic trees. While actual silk used to be the favored fabric, synthetic textile material such as polyester is mainly used today. While there are at least 10 varieties of artificial silk palm trees, four of the popular types are the Kentia palm, Raphis palm, Areca palm and Canary date palm.

Kentia Palm trees are a favorite in workplaces and range in size from the 33 inch mini Kentia to 9 foot giants. These artificial palm trees typically have a short trunk with long, upward reaching fronds. A mini Kentia retails for approximately $40, while taller trees can exceed $250.

The Rahpis palm is a well known artificial silk palm tree and is commonly called the Lady Palm. These artificial silk palm trees come in both variegated and pure green forms. They typically range in size from 48 inches to 96 inches. Smaller specimens can cost around $55 while larger 8 foot trees can be bought for $250.

Areca palms are favorites because of their multitude of fronds. These run almost the entire length of the artificial silk palm tree. The Areca palm is available in sizes from 5 feet to 9 feet, with the most popular height being the 7 foot one. A tree of this size typically retails for around $160.

Canary date palms are so named for their origins in the Canary Islands. They bring in a wonderful tropical feeling to any area and the larger specimens can even be used outdoors. These artificial silk palm trees consist of a long, bare trunk with a bushy crown of fronds. They are quite tall and are available in sizes from 10 feet to 30 feet. They are one of the more expensive artificial silk palm trees, with prices ranging from $1600 to $7500 for the 30 foot specimens.

The quality rating of an artificial silk palm tree is dependent upon a number of factors. These include its overall construction and, of course, the level of realism shown by the silk palm’s design. Of great importance as well are the size, amount, color and naturalness of its component parts.

As with any artificial silk tree, palms retain their color longer than natural plants. The fronds do not wilt or fall off, leaving the tree bare. They are easy to move around as no uprooting is involved in the larger specimens. Natural palm trunks are notorious for harboring insects. This is eliminated in the artificial silk palm trees.