How to Tell If a Palmetto Is Dying

Palmetto palm trees Sabal palmetto) add a tropical look to the landscaping and are relatively simple to grow with proper care. They are often called sabal or cabbage palms. Some diseases and nutritional deficiencies are fatal in time if not properly treated. Others affect the tree only cosmetically. Knowing how to identify potential dangerous symptoms helps you prevent the palm from dying. Since the palmetto is slow growing, proper treatments often succeed in rejuvenating your palm.

Palm tree fertilizer
Borax, boric acid or sodium borates
Complete granular fertilizer formulated for palm trees (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Watch for older fronds drooping down or withering. This indicates butt or Ganoderma root rot. It stunts new growth and turns the fronds pale green or yellow. In time, the palm's head may fall off or the roots experience severe decay. The trunk might also sound hollow when tapped. Death normally occurs within 3 or 4 years. There is no chemical control for this disease
- 2
  Inspect the tree for translucent orange or yellow spots on the fronds. Black necrosis may also be present. These signs look worse around the margins and at the leaf tips, rather than the fronds' base. Potassium deficiency causes these problems and eventually is fatal if not treated. Remedy the deficiency with a fertilizer contains as much potassium as nitrogen or a higher amount.
- 3
  Check the palmetto palm for crumpled or small leaves that indicate a boron deficiency. Other indications are sharp bends in the trunk or horizontal growth. Treat the palmetto with borax, boric acid or sodium borates at a rate of 2 to 4 oz. per tree. Too much boron is toxic, so consult a nursery that is knowledgeable about palmettos.
- 4
  Look at the bud to determine if the tree has freeze or cold-weather damage. The bud is the area where new leaves emerge from the plant. Pull out a new spear and examine it carefully to see if any green remains. This means the tree is still alive and has a chance to come back the following season. If no part of the spear is green, remove the tree from your landscaping because it is dead.

7 Steps to Lawn Perfection

The Best Lawn Grass for the Mid-Atlantic

Lawn Planting