Mixed Signals of Palm Trees
Palm trees are sending out mixed messages. Some appear to have brown leaves and severe freeze damage, while others seem untouched by our extreme winter weather.
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Q: The Palm trees in my landscape are brown and look as if they may be dead, while others in our neighborhood seem untouched by this winter’s weather. Why is the damage so random and what care do my palms need to get them looking lush and tropical again?
A: While this has been a record year for snowfall, the damage to palms in area landscapes happened before the February and March snow events. In early January, temperatures dropped into the lower teens on two consecutive nights, and remained below freezing for almost 48 hours. These nights were the coldest temperatures the area has experienced for many years. As a result, the less cold-tolerant palms are heavily damaged, and in some cases are dead. Recently transplanted palms appear to have severe damage, regardless of the species. The full extent of the damage may not be known for months. However, there are a few things that can be done while we watch their response to a warmer spring environment.
Brown or damaged ends of palm fronds can be removed. Any part of the frond that is green should remain on the plant. This includes the frond stem. While it may look peculiar to have a cluster of frond stems at the top of the palm, green stems contain chlorophyll, and are capable of generating energy for the plant. Any green tissue provides hope that the palm tree is alive.
The determining factor as to whether a palm will recover from extreme temperatures rests on the condition of the growing bud, or heart, located deep within the crown. If the bud has frozen, the palm will decline and die. Should new growth appear, Deep Root Fertilization is in order. Three to four fertilization applications during the year will provide stressed and winter damaged palms with the nutrients needed for generating new growth. Based on the extent of damage, it may be recommended that the fertilization program continue for three or more years. Our Certified Arborists can help make that determination.
A lesson to be learned from the extreme weather is which palms to plant in north central Texas. Surprisingly, there is one palm native to Dallas County. It is the Sabal Palm, more specifically Sabal minor. It is a trunkless palm with fronds that can reach a height of 8-10 feet. A grove of these palms rests on Dallas County parkland near Seagoville. Isolated plants exist in the lower floodplain of White Rock Creek. Being native to the area, this palm has survived sub-zero temperatures.
The largest palms commonly planted in north central Texas are the California Fan Palm and the Mexican Fan Palm. The two are difficult to distinguish from one another until they begin to mature and develop a trunk. The California Fan Palm is the most distinct with a broad crown and a stout trunk. The Mexican Fan Palm has a more slender trunk, smaller crown, and can reach a height of 60 feet. Of the two, the latter is less winter hardy and rarely escapes killing temperatures in our local landscapes for more than twenty-years. A few California Fan Palms survived the winters of 1979 and 1980, and have done well since then. However, January’s sub-freezing temperatures have significantly damaged both palm species. A few species of trunked palms appear to have experienced little or no freeze damage. They include the Texas Sabal Palm and its hybrid crosses, and the smaller and often multi-trunked Windmill Palm. Pindo Palm, the only feather-leafed palm commonly planted in north central Texas, and Needle Palm, native to southeastern U.S., also appear to be unscathed.
Removal of dead palms can be difficult and dangerous due to their overall height and weight. Palms are often planted in back yards, courtyards, and near swimming pools, making access a challenge. Removal of large palms is best left to arborists with special training and experience. Palm wood is fibrous and difficult to cut with a chainsaw. Additionally, the frond stems of many palms are lined with large hook-like thorns that are unforgiving.
Should the Palm trees in your landscape need the attention of a Certified Arborist, please call our office or complete a service request online.
