Palm surgery- keep cutting?

[RJ]

So I noticed this mutt of a palm today had a dead spear . I’ve had no luck with just H2O in these situations. I did pour some down the hole and it fizzed. I pulled 3 spears out. Then decided to cut into it. 
 

@Laaz is well versed in this so hoping you can chime in. Should I go deeper?

Edited September 28, 2021 by RJ

[RJ]

The cut …

 

 

 

[freakypalmguy]

I’ve always cut until there’s solid palm tissue and no hole, it’s always nerve wracking to do

[RJ]

4 minutes ago, freakypalmguy said:

I’ve always cut until there’s solid palm tissue and no hole, it’s always nerve wracking to do

Thanks , I made another cut about an inch deeper. 

[RJ]

Above, appears to be the newest spear I hit it with H2O and it fizzed. Not sure if I should keep going or just wait to see if there is movement…

[RJ]

This is what I pushed out of the center of the last slice I cut off … spear feels pretty solid between my fingers. 

 

Edited September 28, 2021 by RJ

[Laaz]

Stop there, if it is alive it will push a spear. Also make sure the soil isn't holding too much moisture.

[RJ]

17 minutes ago, Laaz said:

Stop there, if it is alive it will push a spear. Also make sure the soil isn't holding too much moisture.

Figures I just watered it because it’s been so dry recently (air and lack of rain) . I’ll put it out in the front (south) side of the house tomorrow. Should I keep applying H2o2?

[Fusca]

1 hour ago, RJ said:

Figures I just watered it because it’s been so dry recently (air and lack of rain) . I’ll put it out in the front (south) side of the house tomorrow. Should I keep applying H2o2?

Randy, I would use a fungicide rather than the H2O2 if you have it.  Keep the cut area as dry as possible until you get some good growth by covering during rain events and only water the soil.  When I performed similar surgery after our 9° freeze I saw movement in 24 hours, but that was April and my similar sized Butia was in the ground so yours might not respond as quickly.  It's almost back to normal looking now.  You will probably have to give it some extra protection this winter.

[Keys6505]

I believe there are a few different schools of thought regarding this on here.  A lot of people don't overuse the h202 because it turns into water and you need to try to keep the damaged area dry.  Some people swear by it though.  I treat with a liquid copper fungicide after the cut, let it dry out, and then keep the cut dry with an overturned nursery pot until the new spear is far enough along that there is no more hole to collect water.  The upside down pot isn't my idea though, I got that from one of the guys on here I just can't remember who!

[Fusca]

20 minutes ago, Keys6505 said:

I believe there are a few different schools of thought regarding this on here.  A lot of people don't overuse the h202 because it turns into water and you need to try to keep the damaged area dry.  Some people swear by it though.  I treat with a liquid copper fungicide after the cut, let it dry out, and then keep the cut dry with an overturned nursery pot until the new spear is far enough along that there is no more hole to collect water.  The upside down pot isn't my idea though, I got that from one of the guys on here I just can't remember who!

Joseph from Texas Cold Hardy Palms suggested that idea to me although I've used it for years to keep frost off young palms.

[RJ]

I’ll check the pantry for copper fungicide tomorrow. Weather here has been nice and dry , so that’s a bonus. Thanks guys !

[RJ]

Is the application 3-4 tsp per gallon still what you guys use n this scenario?

Edited September 29, 2021 by RJ

[smatofu]

Brown paper lawn bags from home centers are best to protect damage palms from rain: sturdy and breathable. Never use any plastic.

 

[RJ]

I can wheel it inside, it’s in a pot. No movement yet, not looking good 

[RJ]

Palm is toast … it’s a sloppy mess  in there 

[OC2Texaspalmlvr]

2 hours ago, RJ said:

Palm is toast … it’s a sloppy mess  in there 

can't hurt to cut any further , also give it time you got nothing to lose. 

T J 

[WSimpson]

When I had a Butia that looked like that I saw new growth in couple days , so you may need to bring out the violins , but give it a month or so . I've also seen a Sabal palmetto that I pulled out the entire center and it left a big hole in the ground , and in a month or so saw new growth coming from the huge hole where I pulled it . It's 8' tall now to the tip of the highest frond . 

Will

Edited September 30, 2021 by Will Simpson

[Laaz]

I would have left the green leave alone & just poured peroxide down the hole. The green leave were probably supplying nutrients to the roots.

[Joe NC]

20 hours ago, Laaz said:

I would have left the green leave alone & just poured peroxide down the hole. The green leave were probably supplying nutrients to the roots.

Yes.

Isn't trunk cutting usually reserved as more of a last resort after something catastrophic like a major freeze where there isn't much green left?

With that said, I have had a Butia get whatever summertime funk/rot they get and die from the center spear outward.  I've also noticed other Butia around suffer the same fate.  Yours may have also been in that "didn't know it was dead yet" stage.  Once the meristem is dead, it is only a matter of death by attrition as the rest of the green outer leaves age out.