Palm trees have a crown of large, compound leaves, known as fronds, arranged at the top of the stem. These fronds can be either pinnate (feather-like) or palmate (fan-like). Below ground, palms possess a fibrous root system, typically within the top 36 inches (91 centimeters) of soil. This root system provides stability and absorbs water and nutrients, sometimes extending over 100 feet from the base of the tree., Learn about the enduring palm tree: its defining form, widespread presence, and vital contributions to nature and human society., Palm trees can be separated into few major types depending on their trunk, leaf structure, growth rate, size, cold, salt and drought tolerance, leaf color, fruit and flower production..