Sago trunk damage or disease

Question

We purchased our house when moving to Florida just a few years ago, so we are sago and palm dummies. We inherited eight sagos and two towering date palms. We are near Pensacola. Of the sagos seven are male, and one female.

When we moved in we noticed the outer layers of the trunk were missing. The old lawn service, and new, both said they weren’t experts but have seen it often and it should be fine. We removed a lot of loose debris and left it. (Only a spider occupying it now this morning)

It HAS indeed continued to grow past it. However the gaping hole and seeing the inner trunk is still worrying us. I’ve attached pictures, but they don’t look as obvious as when standing there.

We also had a harsh winter, but all the males already have new fronds coming in. This female is simply sitting with her flower. Can that flower be cut off safely, and will it spur frond growth instead? Being dummies we’re assuming it’s using energy and nutrients for those seeds instead of fronds.

Thanks for any input and help!

Answer 1

It appears you have mold and moss even growing on the Sago, this would indicate a very unhealthy palm.
I would suggest having a qualified Arborist examine the health and if it is worth the cost and time of treatment.

You can remove the flower.
This link will help you.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/sago-palm/sago-palm-flower-removal.htm