We have several foxtail palms reaching maturity. How and when is it safe to cut “frond” before it produces fruit?
You can cut this at any time. It will not harm the palm, and will help redistribute energy to leaf growth to do so.
Here is a collection of articles that will help you with the, general, care of this palm:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/foxtail-palm
We had hurricane Sally last week, foxtail Palm is 9 years old, the fronds are droopy, neighbor suggested tying all together straight up and not droopy until it gets stronger. Is this good to do or should we just let them hang?
Plants affected by wind and rain will usually correct themselves in time. In palms, it may take six months before you know whether it will survive. These articles should help:
http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/lafayetteco/2017/09/15/storm-damage-palm-trees-care-storm/
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/foxtail-palm/foxtail-palm-tree.htm
https://www.fdacs.gov/content/download/65158/file/Assessing_Damage_and_Restoring_Trees_After_a_Hurricane_by_UF-IFAS_EP29100%20%281%29.pdf
I have several foxtail palms in my landscape and they’re all doing well except one. It seems to be growing unusually, the new growth is much larger than the lower growth and to the point of breaking. I’ve had to prop them up. I could cut them but the tree would look very strange. Can I cut half of the frond, take some of the weight off? Or will it die anyway by doing so?
Unfortunately, your photos did not come through. I am unable to see the issue at hand. Typically, they don't do well with pruning, though it may produce a pup to replace it. You may be stuck letting it grow to whatever shape it takes! In the meantime, this article will help you to care for the tree:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/foxtail-palm/foxtail-palm-tree.htm
It's also a little bit yellow and it seems to be shorter than the other foxtail palms I have. (which always only have one unopened at a time) This one has 3 which concerns me. I'm zone 11
Unfortunately, your photos did not come through. I am unable to see the damage or if there are any signs of deficiency.
It could be growing faster than usual, which would explain more unopened fronds. It could also be that they are opening more slowly. Unfortunately, there isn't enough information to go on.
I would recommend doing the following for any diagnosis:
Check the pH. Many times this can cause issues. Here is an article that will help you:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/soil-ph-plants.htm
Next will be to check nutrient levels in soil:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm
If all shows that everything is within range, then you can begin to diagnose for disease.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/test-soil-for-pests-and-diseases.htm
This article will help you to find the closest extension service to you:
Hi- I’m not sure what this is on my new palm but I’m sure it’s not supposed to be there. Lol This is my first time purchasing a foxtail palm.
This, very much, looks like a Pestalotiopsis infection. There are many species, and they are all pretty devestating. ( I, actually, have a culture of Pestalotiopsis microspora in my own library! It eats plastic. Currently, I am working on sterilizing it so that it may do its job without being able to reproduce by spore.)
For now, fungicides and keeping the tree fed and healthy will be the only way forward. The spores are, ever-present, and won't infect a healthy specimen, usually.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-moisture-in-plants.htm
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
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/test-soil-for-pests-and-diseases.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/making-sure-soil-drains-well.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/foxtail-palm/foxtail-palm-tree.htm
There are only 3 leaves remaining and they look fairly healthy green and no spots or yellowing. The trunk seems very solid and no discolor or deformations. THe growing point is a dull grey in color where new growth would come out. THe stem leading to the leaves is green and is beginning to get a slight bow. I have a palm guy that treats my palms with a fertilizer with micronutrients every 3 months.
I would be suspicious of crown rot due to overwatering or poorly drained soil. If this seems possible, repotting in fresh soil and a clean container may help.
Here are common diseases with foxtail palms:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/foxtail-palm/foxtail-palm-diseases.htm
my palms have started getting slits at the bottom of the trunk, is this treatable? if so your best recommendation please. Hopefully they are not diseased
Unfortunately, your photos did not come through. I am unable to see the issue at hand. Be sure that these are not the segment where the old fronds have fallen off of. This will create "rings" or "slits" at the base.
Otherwise, there are many diseases that could be affecting the tree. These articles will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/foxtail-palm/foxtail-palm-diseases.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/foxtail-palm/foxtail-palm-tree.htm
You can obtain help with testing through your local extension service: