Ok, here are some links to pictures. Sorry, I have not quite figured out how to post pictures directly into the post. These pictures are from April, so they are older. I have to take and post some newer ones. At least these will give you an idea of size. These were before our spring green-up, but after the final frost. I had just planted my musa basjoos at about the same time. I ended up moving one of the basjoos because It would have grown into the trachy's canopy. The other one in the same planter which has remained there since then, has really taken off. It's putting out 2 1/2 foot long leaves now, and has increased in size 10-fold. You should really consider basjoos in your yard. In your zone they will go nuts! In a few months of summer they will dwarf an 8-foot trachy.

http://s729.photobucket.com/albums/ww298/mnpalms/?action=view&current=218.jpg

This one was when it was newly planted and still staked. I took off the stakes after 30 days.

http://s729.photobucket.com/albums/ww298/mnpalms/?action=view&current=211.jpg

Notice the needle palm also. Pool was still covered!

http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=gxp2Wqr

Size comparison, trunk vs. beer can. The basjoo to the right was moved out of there.

Tnwindmill-

My first post somehow didn't make it through, and it was long. Bummer, I had a lot of good info in it. It looks like the links don't work right, so if you want to see some pictures you can try two options. 1: On about page 8 of this forum under palms and cycads, I posted a link. It is pictures from early/mid April. It is titled "Mnpalms garden spring 2009" Also I posted some pictures/links on the other site, palmsnorth. There is a thread there under a similar title. I do have some more recent pictures, I just have to get them uploaded to that picture hosting thing. Unfortunately I don't know how to post pictures directly to a post here, sorry. Those early pictures really don't do the (big) tree justice. It really looks nice now. It settled in and I took the stakes off it about 30 days after planting it.

As of now (7/12/09), the tree has improved and is through transplant shock. It was "sulking" for several weeks, beginning about 3 weeks after I planted it. Delayed reaction... Today's measurements are: 7' 1" overall height. Widesttotal spread is 8' 10". Trunk diameter is 10.5" at thickest point. Mature fronds are 3' wide, 2' high (not including the branch, just the fan size). Trunk, ground to crown is 3' 11".

I hipe this post goes through, I don't know what happened to my first reply! I am a bit pressed for time today so I won't be able to repeat all the info and advice until tomorrow probably. i hope this helps for now. Best of luck!

Wow. That's all I can say for the deal of the century on that tree. Thanks for taking the time to get me all those dimensions too, as I really needed them to help me make a decision on what is feasible for my planting area. You have been a great help!