Q.What Am I Doing Wrong?
I recently had landscaping done in my backyard on 12/23. On 1/2 there was a slight cold front in Houston. I did convey my plants for 2 days and when I removed the cover this is what they looked like. My date palm had brown leaves and the other is turning white. Prior to I was watering daily. Could it be I was over watering?
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Oh no! It sounds like overwatering started the process, and covering sealed the deal.
Watering should only be done once the top 3 or 4 inches of soil are completely dry. Too much water will prevent gas exchange in the soil at the root zone. Pair this with slowed respiration from covering the plants, and it will show signs of the infection very quickly.
From here, I would recommend only watering when needed. You will want to treat with a fungicide, as well.
Here are some articles that will help:
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/edible/fruits/date/date-palm-tree-care.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/wrapping-plants-in-burlap.htm
Please post the question again as your picture did not get uploaded. There have been several, very late, cold spells in Texas though.
