My Foxtail Palm Has a Broken Center Spear Due to High Winds

Damage

• Occasionally, wind can become so strong that it breaks Foxtail Palm fronds. Generally, broken fronds are not a cause for concern because a Foxtail Palm will continue to grow replacement fronds to fill in its crown area. If a center spear breaks due to high wind, the tree may be unsightly for a time, but the damage is not serious. You can remove the frond by cutting it close to the crown area. Do not cut into the crown area because it is an important part of the palm tree's structure and growth. If you prefer, you can leave the remainder of the spear where it is on the tree. The spear will dry naturally and fall when its vascular structures dry out enough to disconnect from the crown.

About

• Foxtail Palm, the botanical name of which is Wodeytia bifurcata, is adaptable and has a deep root system and moderate drought tolerance. It prefers tropical environments but can tolerate light frost damage and temperatures down to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. It is a single-trunk palm with thick fronds. The leaflets circle the stems, giving the fronds a wide, fluffy appearance. Foxtail Palm can grow to 22 feet tall. Generally, it grows eight to 10 fronds at the crown area. The tree is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture Hardiness Zones 10 and 11, and it can tolerate high wind and salt spray.

Care

• A Foxtail Palm is self-cleaning, which means its old fronds separate from the crown and drop to the ground without assistance. The old fronds dry out gradually, and generally pruning is not necessary. The tree is recommended for hurricane-prone areas because of its wind-resistant capabilities. It has a deep root system that allows it to withstand heavy winds without uprooting, unlike some palm varieties. Foxtail Palm does best with moderate watering during dry periods and regular feeding with a balanced palm tree food. It requires only occasional watering during cool months.

Nutrition

• Whenever palms trees suffer cold temperatures or high wind conditions, it is important to ensure they receive sufficient nutrition to help them regenerate. A controlled release fertilizer with an 18-6-12 ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium is recommended for in-ground plants. Foxtail Palm requires additional amounts of potassium for healthy growth. Micronutrients, such as iron, magnesium and manganese, are also important. These minerals can be added periodically or when foliage colors show yellowing from nutrient deficiency.