Is Drought Killing My Palm Tree?
Question: Hi Susan. My palm tree is dying! I transplanted a double stem mature Pygmy Date Palm, about 6ft tall into the earth in front of my home. Currently, we are having a drought and I realized that the leaves on one of the stems started the wilt and droop very baldly. I cut away all of the drooping leaves and ensure that it is getting an adequate supply of water daily. It doesn’t have much leaves left!!! I also added some fertilizer spikes to the soil. I don’t want to loose it, but I am concern if it will survive. HELP!
Answer: Cutting all the drooping leaves was a huge mistake. You palm didn’t like it. Drooping leaves usually means not enough water. It is very easy to find out by checking the moist level of your soil. Palm trees need to be deep watered, meaning that you need to water them for a longer period of time providing very little water. Instead of watering it fast with a large amount of water. That way, you give the soil enough time to absorb all the water.
Also, since you have a drought, it’s is a good idea to add few inches of mulch to help the soil to stay moist. For more information read my article on watering palm trees.
I am guessing your palm tree is getting full sun. Poor palm is not used to full sun since it’s been growing indoors all this time. You need to cover it with a screen or a plastic to decrease the light levels. Stop fertilizing it. Hope this helps. ~Susan Brian
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A lot of palm trees die from fertilizer root burn and nutritional deficiencies. To avoid these problems, use fertilizer that has continues release formula, which feeds your palm tree for few months, rather than using a cheap fertilizer that will wash away after 2-3 rains.
I personally use 
It is time to protect your palm trees from cold! To avoid the cold damage, I spray my palms with 
I have a pindo palm for about 3.5 years. I live in Myrtle Beach SC, and the bottom leaves are turning brown and yellow. Now it seems to be turning toward the top? Please help