I have what I believe is a California palm. We are new to this house, in the North Dallas area, which has an occasional freeze. From what the neighbors are telling me, the previous owners would wrap the trunk in the winter with heavy blankets to protect it. Is this necessary/recommended? My other and more pressing question is that the tips of the fronds are turning brown. Could this be attributed to too much water (it's been raining a lot in the last few weeks)? And lastly, should I fertilize and, if so, what do I use?
Too much water can certainly cause yellowing leaves and browning tips.
Pests and disease can also cause leaf damage.
Without some protection most Palms including the California Fan Palm will not survive winter in your area.
You will need to continue to winterize the Palm.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/root-rot-in-garden-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/palms-trees/palm-tree-planting-outdoors.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/palms-trees/winterizing-a-palm-tree.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/date/date-palm-tree-care.htm
We've had a palm tree for about 3 years. Just a few weeks ago, it started sprouting large thick stalks. Is this something invasive or just a natural part of the tree's growth?
I'm not clear on the type of Palm that you are referring too, but you may be describing 'pups' on your Palm.
Here is a link with more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ponytail-palm/propagating-ponytail-palm-pups.htm
how close to the house can this be planted?
There are several major factors to consider when looking to plant a Cabbage Palm:
1. The trunks on Cabbage Palms can get to be 18- to 24-inches wide
2. They can grow to between 40 and 60 feet tall and
3. They need well-drained soil.
Cabbage Palm roots aren't known for being invasive or spreading so much that they cause issues, so you should be able to plant it about 15-20 feet away from the house without causing any problems.
Here is some additional information about growing Cabbage Palms:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/cabbage-palm/cabbage-palm-care.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/palms-trees/palm-tree-planting-outdoors.htm
I have been told that the Waggie Palm (Trachycarpus wagnerians) is superior to the Windmill Palm in high winds and snow load. I have a friend in Canada who states that the Windmill Palm gets brown and burns while the Waggie Palm has no damage. Have you seen this to be true?
I wonder if you can help. I have no experience with plants, but have recently become involved in a reforestation project in the Dominican Republic. I love what I do and want to make sure I look after the trees correctly. We have a small nursery close to the ocean. I am currently planting Royal Palm Trees and Saman (Monkey Pod). They seem to be growing nicely. I water them every morning but I noticed that some of the saman leaves have white spots, some appear bleached, and the royal palms have yellow/brown spots and one of the weeds in the nursery looks to have been eaten by something covered in holes. Any ideas what this could be? How do I treat this? Please Help! Helen
This is likely a Scale infestation.
Here is an article with more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/sago-palm/white-spots-on-sago.htm
I have a pygmy palm tree in the front of my house. It is a beautiful specimen; however, it is beginning to grow "Leggy" or taller than I anticipated. Is there a way I can curtail or discourage the palm from growing taller? Can I prune the top to force it to grow outwards instead of upwards?
Pruning should be limited to removing yellowing, diseased or damaged fronds. Over pruning can lead to the decline or death of the palm.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/date/date-palm-tree-care.htm
What could be wrong with my self-watering planter? I have a large palm (houseplant) that has been growing well in a self-watering planter for the past three years. Suddenly, I'm noticing water pooling on top of the soil on one side of the plant, and all the soil seems overly moist. What could be the problem? Have never encountered this before. Thanks, Mary Renaud
I'm not sure what may have happened with your planter, but pooling water can be quite detrimental to your plant.
I would considered changing out the pot for a new one.