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You are here: Experts > Home/Garden > Roses > Plant Diseases > Fox Tail Palm Diease?
Expert: Dr Stephen Vann - 10/28/2009
Question
We have some foxtail palms that we planted 3 years ago. This year, we noticed that several of the palms trunks have splits and rough bark. The best way I can describe it is it look like alligator skin. The splits are linear and are at the base of the trees. We fertilize with palm fertilizer and water once a week when the irrigation system runs. Our neighbors had the same trees planted when we did - all from the same nursery. The palms don't seem to have the same problem as ours. I've attached photos of the palms. We've asked several people about it and I've done a lot of online research, but can't seem to find an answer to the question. We'd like to know if what's happening is normal or if the palms have some kind of disease and if it does, what we can do to fix it. By the way, the palms are about 10-12 ft. tall and the tops of the palms seem to be growing well with green fronds and only slight yellowish color. We live in Port Charlotte, FL sip code 33981
Answer
Lois:
I don't think this is an infectious/contagious situation. It may be related to a potential environmental stress. In my part of the world, things like sunscald, freeze injury, or some weed killers that come in contact with tree trunks could be at the "root" of the problem. I suspect you can rule out freeze injury (I lived in Ft Myers for 6 yrs!!). Sometimes these splits may develop on some palms as a result of excessive water uptake. These slits do not look normal, but I am very rusty on palms. You may wish to consider contacting a local nursery that sells these plants and get their opinion. I worked at a garden center in Ft Myers (Scrivner's Lawn and Garden Center). These folks had a good knowledge of palms. They may be a good resource. See James (Jim) Scrivner there.
Regards
Steve
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