Identifying Lethal Yellowing Canary Palm

Examine the lower and older leaves on your Canary Island date palm for symptoms of fusarium wilt, which include yellowing followed by browning on one side of fronds, progressing from the base of the leaf to the tip, and brown or black streaks along the stem. The green half of the frond turns yellow and dies later. Dead leaves remain attached to the tree. Symptoms sometimes appear in mid-canopy leaves first.

Brush a pair of pruning shears or a pruning saw with a stiff brush to remove all plant debris. Soak the shears or saw in a solution of one part pine oil and three parts water for 10 minutes to disinfect them.

Cut open a dead Canary Island date palm leaf stem with disinfected pruning shears or saw and examine the interior. Fusarium wilt causes reddish-brown or pinkish discoloration, often on one side of the stem.

Check your Canary Island date palm every month. Fusarium wilt progresses up through the canopy, eventually killing all the leaves and the entire tree. Palms may take three months to five years to die.