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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Lisa M Kelley says
What would be the determining factor for pygmy date palms.? Should you cut dead fronds?
James Gill says
You can cut dead fronds to make the palm look better, but not necessary for health of the palm. If the top 18″ of the palm gets “squirrelly” it would mean the heart is dead. And after examining some with a chain saw, I think most pygmy date palms are dead. But only way to know if they are alive is to wait, watch for soft or collapsing heart area, or see new leaves emerging.
Cornelia says
Thanks for all your information on palm damage assessment. It’s very helpful.
We have a fishtail palm, about 40+ feet tall (we never expected it to grow that tall, but it was planted as a novelty and has been somewhat protected). It is very obviously dead. Should we expect the crown to blow off like some of the Washingtonians did in the 1980s, or should we expect it to fold over, or should we expect it to fall from the base? Should we prophylactically have it removed to avoid damage below when it falls?
James Gill says
All of that. I would be inclined to cut it off at the base. Maybe there are some pups that will grow back? Or did you mean foxtail palm, in which case no pups.
Cornelia says
It’s a fishtail palm that my mother bought in the RGV years ago on a Palm Society trip. It was purchased on a nostalgic whim (she grew up in Raymondville). She expected it to die each winter and was always astounded when it kept growing. I’ll look for pups, and make arrangements for cutting it down. Thank you.