Several varieties of palm trees likely suffered damage in the Big Freeze of ‘21. Some may recover, and some may not. Here are some things you can look for and steps you can take right now.
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vilma says
Hi
My queen palm’s heart is tipped over but still has some green so not sure if dead. how do I know if it is dead? It’s very tall so I can’t inspect.
James Gill says
My pygmy date palm looked bad, I pruned out dead leaves (including the tender ones in the center), left the partially green leaves, and poured a little copper fungicide into the center to suppress rot if there was any live tissue left in the heart. I have been rewarded by 4″ of new frond pushing up in the center. I would suggest you do the same, if you watch the videos you will see examples. But a difference, this freeze was much less severe than the one two years ago.
James Gill says
And if you feel it unsafe to get on a tall ladder, just wait and hope.
kim says
okay I have read all of these comments. I am have foxtails that were froze on that one cold night this past January here in florida. It has been a month and a half. the trees feel sturdy on the trunk and up to the fonds. The fonds are all brown but there are some new half green and burnt fonds developing. should I trim away the burnt fonds or leave them?
james gill says
It is best to leave Fran’s that have green, or even yellow, until they turn completely brown. Palm trees will recycle nutrients out of old and dying leaves to utilize in newer leaves.
Donna-Jo Grove says
My Queen palm is oozing rust and black color near base of palm? Is there anything I can do to help it?
James Gill says
No, nothing you can do. I don’t think they will make it, but I haven’t quite given up yet. Soon though, I think it will be chainsaw time.
Judith mielke says
My pony tail is 5 ft looks. terrible in the ground 7 yrs old do I trim off all the dead
,
How do I treat it. I need more information .
james says
I don’t think there’s much you can do to change the course of events. Remove dead tissue as it travels or exudes fluids. And hope for healthy sprouts to arise From the base sometime this summer.
Sandra Pointer says
What about ponytail pslmd
James Gill says
Just guessing. I think ponytails in pots will be dead. I think ponytails in the ground will generate some sprouts from the bulb sometime this summer, but not sure.
Karen Ruth says
I have a 12 year old live oak tree that has dead leaves on some of the branches. I don’t see any new leaves sprouting to date. Is there something I can do to hopefully revive it?
Thank you,
Karen
James Gill says
Nothing you can or should do. Live oaks drop their leaves this time of year and put on new, but not on a uniform schedule. Not to say your tree might not have a problem, but more likely just the expected seasonal shedding.
Adan says
what about birds of paradise. Both large and small. Should I trim down to base?