Help With Windmill Palm Tree Please

Question

I am not sure this is the correct place to ask this question or not, but here goes. My 20 year old palm was killed in the Dallas Snowpocalypse of 2021. I just replaced it this Spring (March) with a new Windmill. It looked pretty good for a month or two, but as we got into the hot part of Dallas Summer, it has really struggled with severely browning frowns. I read that you are not supposed to cut of brown frowns until they are 100% brown, so I have followed that guidance. I have fed it some Palm food a couple of times. I suspect that I am over or underwatering. I just don\’t know which it is and hoping for some help from someone before it dies. Pictures attached. Thank you in advance, Steve Colby

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Answer 1

That is quite unfortunate! I would definitely only fertilize when a soil test reveals that it is needed. Likely, the roots hadn't had to time to form enough to take them up. This could definitely contribute to the decay of the palm.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/soil-ph-plants.htm

Next to consider will be when it was planted. Right before the heat of summer is not the best time for plantings, as this will usually force overwatering.

Planting in Spring or Autumn will be a better choice. After planting, it will be necessary to keep an eye on soil moisture.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-moisture-in-plants.htm

From here, you could try caring for this one and using a fungicide, or you can replace the palm. Regardless, you will need a fungicide.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm

This article will help you to plant and care for the palm:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/windmill-palm/growing-windmill-palms.htm