Palm Tree Freeze Damage

Palm trees are always a sight to behold, especially under the summer sun and blue sky. Unfortunately, for some palm trees that are planted in states with harsh cold seasons, it is not always the case. If you suspect your palm tree to be suffering from freeze damage, contact a certified arborist right away. It can be a challenge to tell if a palm tree requires trimming or if it is still alive and well, that is why a certified arborist will be a lot of help. Palm trees are vulnerable to cold weather, which is why it is essential to learn how to help them survive and thrive.
 
How to Help Protect Palms from Freezes
With proper care and preparation, you can help your palm trees battle the adverse effects of winter on their health.
 
What Can I Do If a Cold Freeze Damaged My Palm Trees?
You might be wondering why the green leaves of your palms suddenly turn to brown when the cold season comes. Palm trees are not like hardwood trees in the sense that they grow from a particular spot and not from various areas. The palm’s heart is found at its canopy, that is why everything else gets impacted when it gets damaged.

Another factor to consider is where the palm tree is planted. If it is planted anywhere outside its growing area, it can easily be vulnerable to freeze damage. Palm trees should be planted in zones where there are no harsh cold seasons.  Certain types of palm trees can survive the cold winter, but they can still fall victim to intense cold. Simply put, whatever the nature of palm tree you have, it is crucial to keep it safe from the intense freeze.
 
What Are the Signs that My Cold Damaged Palm Trees Are Still Alive?
In most cases, it's hard to determine if a palm tree is still alive or already dead. It is important to contact a professional arborist to evaluate your tree’s situation. You can also use the following symptoms to tell if your tree is still living:

• Give it time. Your palm trees may not show signs of growth after they get damaged by the cold season, which is why you need to wait until it shows symptoms of growth and recovery.
• Green means good. Even if more than half of your palm tree's leaves are brown, seeing some green ones is a ray of silver lining. It means that your tree still has a fighting chance and that it could still recover.
• Let nature do its wonder. Allow nature to take its course in healing your damaged tree. You can get rid of fronds that turned brown while waiting for your palm to recover totally.

 
How Can I Protect My Palm Trees from Intense Freezes?
Help your palm trees fight freezes by doing these helpful tips:

• Don’t plant palm trees that are not meant for your state’s climate.
• Use a blanket or a sheet to cover short palm trees before the cold season hits. For taller palms, you can ask help from a certified arborist to wrap the fronds for you.
• Make sure to water your palm trees before a freeze. Mulching them would also be helpful as the mulch will lock the moisture in.
• Fertilize your palms regularly. Your palm trees will have a better surviving chance if it is healthy, to begin with.

If you have any questions or concerns about your palm trees, please call Thatcher's Tree Service for a free consultation and estimate.  
 
 
 
 

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