How to Take Care of a Pygmy Palm Tree After Cold Weather

Evaluate Pruning Needs

• 1

  Once all danger of freezing weather has passed, identify fronds that need trimming. You should only cut off fronds that are totally brown. Green fronds with brown tips still provide nutrients needed for new growth. Any green that is removed will severely reduce the palm's chance of recovery. The green area is also needed for photosynthesis, the process by which plants make their food.

• 2

  Don gloves and eye protection. Position pruning shears near the base of the frond to be cut, allowing about 2 inches of the base to remain. Make a clean, quick cut being careful to not tear the frond off the plant.

• 3

  Continue in this manner until dead fronds are removed. Dispose of dead fronds, and clean the shears with bleach water to prevent spreading disease from one plant to another. Dry the shears after cleaning to prevent rust.

Evaluate Watering and Light Needs

• 4

  Pygmy palms can survive drought, but they also thrive in areas that receive more water. Newer palms need more water than older, more established palms. If rainfall is low, supplement watering as needed.

• 5

  Although palms do well in partial shade to full sun, remember that nearby trees can grow big enough over time to deprive the pygmy palm of needed sunlight. Other trees may need to be pruned to allow more sunlight to reach the palm.

• 6

  If you are planting new pygmy palms, try to picture what size they will be in five or 10 years to be sure they are not planted too close to structures or trees. Also consider the potential size of nearby trees and shrubs in a few years in order to determine the best placement.