3 potted years is OK in your slow growing cold zone for a big pot. Pruning roots to transplant nearly always causes shock and weeks or months of anxious no-growth, if not death. Miniminizing root destruction by digging and transporting a generous root ball is a lot of work.

The container disadvantage is taking at least one zone from the plant's rating, which woiuld mean insulating/heating the container through months of frigid weather. Any palms survive their root system being frozen solid for weeks or months?

I agree. Definately in pots.. BIG pots in the ground.

BUT, also be aware that the roots will grow through the bottom of the pot, out into the ground around. So when it's time to move them, it won't be just digging up. You'll have to cut the roots or try to salvage them.

But since in pots, would it not be possible that you construct some kind of portable greehouse over them?

That's what we've done for several years now and it works a treat. Mind you, lots of the palms we have are in the ground and this year, we planted more.

Last year in May (over a year now) we did move/transplant a Washingtonia Robusta. We tried to get as much soil as possible but lots fell away and when we planted it, we didn't realize at first that we created an air pocket right dead center of the root ball on the bottom.

After about 2 weeks or so, we have to dig it up again (that was easy since it was only kinda sitting there) and rebuild it's soil base and fill in the air pockets.

Even with that, the palm was VERY unhappy the first year. It lost all its fronds except the center one and a couple of its newer fronds.

But, this year, it has bounced back very well.

In your case, since it's a temporary situation, I wouldn't suggest the transplanting thing.
Just some thoughts. :)

Blondeboy
I'm glad someone finally brought that up.
I was wondering if the roots could grow out of the pot
in the ground. hmmm ?

also, check with the rental laws in your area. Here in VA, if you attach, plant, something on a rental property it becomes the property of the owner, emaning when you move you can't dig it up and take it with you unless you get it in writting before hand. just a though, but wouldn't wanna see you loose something you'd like to keep for yourself.

miss daisy

Actually now that I think of it - the soil is sandy there which means I can treat it like a bare root plant just pull it right out of the ground - Saves alot of back work with the shovel trying to dig something out of clay.

We have two small cycads that have been in the same pots for about 4 years. One is growing new leaves and I think they may both have to be transplanted into new, bigger pots. How would one do this and do they like a wider, more shallow pot or a deep, tall pot? Do they like to be pot bound or freed up? What sort of soil should we use for the repotting? They are outside in the summer in semi-shade with filtered sun and are kept indoors during winter and frost seasons. It is during the summer that they really seem to revive.

I just purchased a cat palm I do believe from H.D.. I transplanted it into a large clay pot and in just two days it's turning brown and yellow. What can I do? I have another one and there is no problem with that one.

I definitely would NOT attempt sables in your zone. Maybe Sable Minor, but thats it. About as far north as the TREE form, Sable Palmetto (Cabbage Palmetto) will tolerate winter, is Virginia Beach VA, or a zone 8A, and thats with fairly heavy protection, and even then some of them do not survive the winters in Va Beach. Va Beach is a borderline zone 8B/ 8A. it is the northern most reaches where some forms of subtropical plant species naturally occur, including Spanish Moss. Sable Palmettos are now fairly common in VA Beach, but again they are really pushing the limits with those down there. IIWY, i would stick with needle palms, Trachy's, and the like.

Whatever palms you do plant, will have a MUCH better chance of survival in ground. Of course, as has been pointed out you can insulate the pots and use heating cables to keep them above freezing. Good luck!!!! Post some pics for us when you get your palms!