Palms in Hawaiian Gardens pg.4
Palms have high nutrient requirements, and many problems can be prevented with proper fertilization and watering. Three applications of a complete fertilizer such as 16-16-16 with minor elements each year will help keep your trees in good condition. Minor elements (magnesium, zinc, and manganese) are particularly important.
Once established, palms require little attention except for an occasional spray to control disease and insect pests and periodic pruning to remove unsightly dead fronds. Removal of too many fronds should be avoided, as this can reduce the amount of food produced and weaken the plant.
Disorders
Palms have few problems; however, large palms in Hawaii are the victims of occasional lightning and wind damage. Many homeowners report coconut palms dying suddenly after a storm. They first symptom of lightning damage is the lower fronds beginning to droop around the trunk. Additional fronds turn brown, and the central top part of the tree bends over and looks wilted. Because palm trees struck by lightning seldom recover, spraying or other treatment is not worthwhile.
Nutritional deficiencies may also cause some trouble to local growers. Areca, queen, royal, and date palms are susceptible to a disorder known as frizzle top. Symptoms start with leaves yellowing prematurely, and new leaves emerge with a yellow frizzy look. The trees may be affected for months or even years, and in such cases the trunk becomes pencil pointed at the top. Frizzle top is caused by a nutrient deficiency in the soil and can be prevented by annual applications of fertilizers containing minor elements.
Diseases
Several diseases may affect palms. Two problems that resemble lightning injury are bud rot and stem bleeding diseases. These problems may occur after trees have been damaged by climbing spikes of improper pruning. Extremely wet, dry, or cool weather may also weaken a palm, allowing diseases to set in. Most of these diseases can be controlled with two or three applications of an approved fungicide applied according to manufacturer’s directions on the label. Both trunk and leaves should be sprayed. Avoid heavy pruning, if possible, as well as spiked climbing equipment.
