Do you know why and what can I do?
Have you ever fertilized the ferns? If not, try spraying the trunk and the soil with a liquid fertilizer each month.
Here are more care tips for tree ferns:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/tree-ferns/planting-tree-ferns.htm
I am a little confused as some you tube videos take all the fronds off at the end of March but other sites say to leave them.
My research shows that you should leave them, even the brown ferns that hang as they offer stability and moisture for the fern. If you want to remove the brown ferns in spring, cut them back no more than 5 inches from the trunk. Here is more on their care:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/tree-ferns/planting-tree-ferns.htm
Plant started out healthy and growing fast then fronds in the middle of the plant started turning brown and shriveling. Bottom new growth and top growth was fine. I cut off all the brown branches. Now it looks like the two oldest largest fronds are starting to do the same.
The soil may be infected with a bacterial pathogen. I would treat with a fungicide, like copper sulfate. This can help restore the soil.
Otherwise, proper care will ensure the plant's health.
Here are some articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/tree-ferns/planting-tree-ferns.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
ting turning yellow and falling off? Please help Leaves are turning yellow and the tips are turning brown. Leaves are curling up and falling off.
Check for insects first such as scale or aphids. It could be too much or too little irrigation. You might consider a soil test to see if anything is amiss there. These articles should help pin it down:
https://selectree-test.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/filicium-decipiens
http://download.ceris.purdue.edu/file/2832
http://sfrc.ufl.edu/extension/forest_health/General%20Tree%20Disease%20Presentation.pdf
I have a soft tree fern (Dicksonia antarctica) which is 70cm in the trunk height. Over the last couple of years the crown has divided into two parts. Can I divide the stump into two separate plants? Thanks David
Yes, they divide quite easily!
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/tree-ferns/planting-tree-ferns.htm
Is the hairs on the Australian tree fern dangerous to get in the eye? If so, what actions do you take to get it out?
Nothing is safe in your eye. While it isn't going to poison you, eye irritation is serious.
Flushing it out with warm water would be the first thing that I would try. Next would be calling your local doctors for help.
Now sticky dark brown sap, has appeared, have I damaged my tree fern
It's best to let ferns brown before cutting them off as they continue to nourish the tree. When you do cut them, cut no closer than six inches from the trunk. While researching this, I saw comments that the sap is normal after cutting fronds. Keep it watered and it should be OK.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/tree-ferns/planting-tree-ferns.htm