Q.Christmas Palm Drying Out, Has Tears/cuts, Hollow Spots In One Trunk,
I see a few tiny ghost ants in and around the hollow space that runs halfway up on one side. The other 2 trunks are fine. All 3 appear otherwise healthy, producing lots of fruit(maybe too much), and dropping fronds on a regular basis. This is in this spot for 4+ years, bought as a field plant, continued growing well to about 20 feet so far. I can send photos. I appreciate your advice. Thanks.
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Planting in "groves" like this can cause competition for nutrients and water. Tears indicate lack of water. Did you have some unexpected cold weather last winter that could have caused the cracking? Trees that are marginally hardy can crack due to temperature fluctuations.
You might give your local extension agent a call and see if these symptoms are common in your area.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/christmas-palm/growing-christmas-palm-trees.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/cracking-tree-trunks.htm
