IS MY PALM TREE DEAD?

It might surprise a lot of people but the Palm tree is actually an evergreen, so when they are alive the fronds are upright and green. When they are dead the fronds will be brown and collapse. If this happens as a result of being transplanted correct watering should be followed while waiting for new fronds to develop. If the palm died from being infected with Fusarium owners should contact a local arborist to find out if special removal procedures are needed to prevent damage to neighboring palm trees.

SIGNS OF A DEAD PALM TREE

There are major signs that your palm tree is dying or already dead. You need to watch for wilting, discolored, or stunted palm fronds. These are the first signs that somethings not right with your palm tree. There are cases where the damage can be stopped and reversed to save the palm, so don’t panic.

DISCOLORED OR WILTING PALMS

Examine the fronds (green leafy parts) for signs of discoloration or wilting. While it is normal for fronds to grow old and turn from green to orange and then brown the younger fronds should still be a bright green. If all of the fronds are wilting or discoloring it might be a lack of water. Ensure your tree is getting the right amount of water. If you notice the center area at the top of the palm, known as the crown, is turning brown, you’ve got to act fast.

Another common problem is when the soil the palm is planted in runs out of nutrients. While palms don’t need as much fertilizer as other trees they still need the right nutrients during the growing season. The last reason that palms discolor and wilt is pests. There are a number of insects that can infest your palm tree and cause it to get sick and potentially die. Regular palm tree checks will help catch these problems early when they can be resolved.

CAN MY PALM TREE BE SAVED?

When the discoloration or wilting is cause by a lack of care for the tree it can be easily reverse in most cases. These are signs the tree is stressed by not getting enough water, fertilizer, or insects are being allowed to run amok. Putting a property watering plan in place along with fertilizers and insect control will help return your palm tree to good health. It’s important to act as soon as you notice a problem or it can lead to needing palm tree removal.

SAVING A DYING PALM TREE

The most important part of a palm tree’s health is the crown stalk. It is responsible for pulling moisture and nutrients up the length of the palm tree. If your tree has shown signs of distress you can try to apply a vitamin bath at the base of the tree. This will put the very best nutrients and moisture at the tree’s disposal and give it a fighting chance. For this type of care you’ll want to talk to a landscaping professional.

TIP – Read this article to learn how to bring your dead palm tree back to life.