“Taking steps now immediately after the cold weather will help your palm tree recover faster,” said Jeremy Goldstein with Heights Hauling and Landscape. “This will ensure you have a beautiful tree for the upcoming summer season.”
The first step to protecting the tree is to apply a copper fungicide to the frost damaged fronds once the weather warms up. Follow up with a repeat application within seven to ten days. Do not apply more than twice, or you may actually damage the tree further.
“The fungicide helps kill bacteria that can kill the tree during this vulnerable time,” Goldstein said. “It’s very important for the future ongoing health of the tree.”
After the weather warms, it’s also important to remove the brown fronds from the tree. A gentle tug should remove the frond. If the cold damage is severe and even the youngest leaf in the center comes out easily, don’t give up. Once the spear leaf is removed, slit or puncture the collar of sheathing leaf bases to allow water to drain away from the bud. However, if it is hard to remove, it should not be removed.
The focus of a recovering tree should then turn to proper fertilization to help the tree recover. Normally, they should be fertilized four times a year with 8-2-12-4 Mg fertilizer with micronutrients. Cold temperatures subject the tree to more damage from pests and plant disease. Proper fertilization helps strengthen the tree and enables it to recover faster.
However, if the future growth of the tree is brown, the tree does not provide any new growth or the crown collapses, the dead tree should be removed. Beware, the damage may not show up in the tree until six months or a year after the freeze.
“Palm trees can provide years and years of easy maintenance and beauty,” Goldstein said. “Most mature trees will be able the handle the occasional cold snap we get in Houston with proper care when the weather warms up.”
Heights Hauling and Landscape is a farm direct provider of high quality palm trees throughout the Houston area. They can handle the delivery and installation of palm trees for less. For more information about the company, or to get a quote on a beautiful palm tree for your home or office, please call 713-291-9466 or visit their website at http://www.169sod.com.
-30-
Media Contact:
Jeremy Goldstein
Heights Hauling and Landscape
Phone: 713-291-9466
