Palm trees belong to the evergreen family of trees, so whenever you start to notice brown or yellow fronds, this is a cause for concern. These trees can also become infested with bugs and die out over time.
If you are currently searching for "
is my palm tree dead", this article is for you!
How To Tell If A Palm Tree Is Dying
It can be difficult to judge whether your palm tree is dead or just in need of extra care. If there is any remaining green on the tree, then the palm is still alive, according to
Hunker. Of course, if there is no green whatsoever, then it is simply too late to save the palm tree. Some of the first signs one can notice with dying palms are yellowing or drooping leaves. Start by investigating the soil that the palm is planted in.
Here are three signs that a palm is either dying or already dead:
- Wilting Or Discolored Palms
- Pest Infestations
- Running Out Of Nutrients
Wilting Or Discolored Palms
Whenever a palm's fronds begin yellowing,
Davey suggests checking the soil to make sure no major nutrients are lacking. Proper moisture and fertilizer levels need to be checked, as well. Any inefficiency can cause harm to your valuable palm. DO NOT attempt to remove any discolored fronds from the tree, however. This can stunt the growth of younger leaves on the tree.
Pest Infestations
Experts say palm trees are most affected by the following pests: palm aphids, spider mites, caterpillars, sucking insects and mealybugs. Inspect your palm tree regularly to ensure there is no visual infestation of pests.
Running Out Of Nutrients
Magnesium and potassium deficiencies are the most likely nutrients causing a palm tree to suffer. Remember, palms can be very temperamental, and several factors like soil, water, nutrients and fertilizer can affect the overall health of the tree. It is best to do something immediately whenever you notice some sort of deficiency. If any of these factors are left unattended or uncared for, there is a good chance your dying palm will eventually die.
How To Save A Dying Palm Tree
Follow these steps to bring your
palm tree back to life:
- Increase or decrease sunlight exposure
- Replace nutrients
- Add proper amount of water
- Use a higher-quality fertilizer
- Only cut off fronds after they are dead
- No pruning during hurricane season
If left in direct and overbearing sunlight, it is possible for the palm tree to become sunburned. Conversely, not enough sunlight can turn the leaves an unwanted shade of brown. Find the balance between these two and position your palm in the best spot possible for optimal sunlight exposure. Making sure your tree has the proper amount of calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium is essential to its healthy life. Spots on leaves, deformations and discolorations are all signs of some sort of deficiency.
Just like sunlight, be careful not to give your palm too much or too little water. Too much watering will cause the fronds to start turning either yellow or brown. A lack of water could lead to the same discoloration, as well. If you notice any
deficiencies, perhaps the simple solution is to upgrade your fertilizer. High-quality fertilizer will help your palm grow and develop properly.
Do not cut any leaves after you first notice the brown coloring. Cutting too soon can result in the loss of valuable nutrients. Wait until the leaves are completely dead before cutting them off. By removing fronds during hurricane season, you are adding more stress to your palm. These fronds actually can provide protection from the wind during hurricane season.
Liberty Tree Care Offers Tree Services in Scottsdale, Mesa & Tempe
If you are searching for
tree service in
Scottsdale,
Mesa or
Tempe, Liberty Tree Experts can help! Get a free
tree service quote by giving Liberty a call today at
480-482-9374.
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