What's eating my Palm?

[timsburgh]

We just bought this house in south Florida and the palms out front look awful.  Can we save them? 

20220910_112509.heic 20220910_112504.heic 20220910_112457.heic

[Merlyn]

I converted these to JPG, since the current forum software has some issues with HEIC format:

[timsburgh]

Thank you! 

[Merlyn]

I think those are Ptychosperma Elegans, the left one looks sorta normal and might just need a little fertilizer.  The right one is in desperate need of fertilizer, and might have three other issues going on:

1.  Possible crown rot, since I don't see a new spear.  A systemic fungicide like Banrot, Clearys 3336, or similar might help cure it.  If you can open that window, you could pour some contact fungicide like my personal favorite, Daconil mixed with hydrogen peroxide.  Just put some into a plastic cup, tape it to a long stick, and reach out the window to pour it directly into the crown.  If it's the right height then you might be able to see it bubbling.  If it bubbles, the hydrogen peroxide is attacking a fungal infection.  If it does not, then no fungus is present.  I mix 4tsp per 32oz bottle of regular household 3% hydrogen peroxide.
2.  The base looks like it might have been hit with a sprinkler for a while.  That black area looks like old trunk rot.  As long as it's not soft and squishy then leave it alone.  If a sprinkler is hitting it, alter the sprinkler pattern or head to keep it from hitting the trunk.
3.  The palm was planted a bit too high, or grew some extra "adventitious roots," or some dirt was pulled away at some point over the last 10+ years.  Those roots should be covered if it's feasible, though it's not a critical issue at this point in the palm's life.  I.e. if you are redoing the area then brush away the mulch and add some dirt, then put the mulch back.  Here's the best tutorial on planting depth and mounding I've found: http://www.marriedtoplants.com/palms/palm-tree-growing-tips-mounding/

[timsburgh]

Wow.  There's a lot to break down here.  This response is amazing. 

 

1st, I am going to fertilize as you suggested and use the fungicide.  That window doesn't open but I do have an A frame ladder I can use.

2nd, the black spot is not soft or squishy.  I'm just going to leave it alone as you suggested.

3rd, I am going to to do some planting in that bed so I can cover those roots.

Thank you so much for your response.  I'm always amazed by how helpful people can be... I am very appreciative of your response and help. 

[Merlyn]

@timsburgh if you are up there with an A-frame ladder take a photo of the crown and post it here.  If there's something weird going on, chances are someone here has seen it before!  If your A-frame is the right height, try sniffing the crown near where the new spear comes out.  If it smells like rotting garbage in a dumpster on a hot Florida day...then there's definitely a crown infection!