Health of a Palm Tree

Question

I live in N. Ireland and have grown in my garden a palm tree (I think this is what it is) which I bought as a young plant in Torquay (UK). It has grown fine for over 20 years but recently the leaves are falling off in heavly clumps. This has never happened before and I assume it may be caused by the heavy snow and cold tempertures we have experienced over the winter. I noticed some trees locally being pruned very heavily, almost removing part of the trunk at the top. Is this what I need to do?

Answer 1

Indeed, the snow is likely damaging it. I would recommend pruning away any dead leaves and only that. The other tree you are seeing may have lost all their leaves and this is why you are seeing such extreme pruning. If you are expecting more snow and cold, these articles will help you protect it from further harm: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/frost-how-to-protect-your-plants.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/protect-plants-in-freeze.htm