Sylvester palm trunk rot

[xtremetech]

Hello need help in identifying why the bark seems to be rotting away palm tree is solid though because we just transplanted but the growth in the last 2 years has been minimal. Not sure why this is happening attached are some pictures.

[SeanK]

Looks like Mistletoe growing from the trunk. 

[96720]

It looks like just the old frond bases are rotting away which is normal as long as it’s not the trunk

[PalmatierMeg]

37 minutes ago, 96720 said:

It looks like just the old frond bases are rotting away which is normal as long as it’s not the trunk

Agree. Usually those leaf bases, “boots”, detach from the trunk beneath and fall off. And kinds of stuff like mosses, ferns, even bromeliads grow among the boots.

Does irrigation water spray on the palm? All that spray can promote disintegration of boots.

[Merlyn]

Yep, agree with the above.  The "diamond cut" on Sylvestris is cutting the bottom of the old "boots" of the fronds.  They are not structural to the trunk and aren't bark like on an oak or pine tree.  They'll eventually rot and fall off.  Sometimes it takes years, sometimes decades.  But you'll eventually end up with a smooth grey trunk.  So if it's firm underneath then it's nothing to worry about...purely cosmetic.  If it's squishy underneath then it could be an actual trunk fungal rot.  As Meg said, make sure that sprinklers are not spraying on the trunk.  They should spray on the nearby ground...but not the trunk!

[carob]

My palm also is getting dark moss on the cut edges. Is this also trunk rot? The moss is damp to touch.

I've had this Sylvester 2 years. It cost a lot. I don't want to lose it. 

Any help is appreciated