Mule Palm problem!

[Phattydeluxe]

Hello Palm Talk fam!

I have 3 Mule Palms (X Butiagrus nabonnandii) that have developed black spots on the spines (rachis?) of the fronds. They are only on the top side of the frond spines, not really on the leaves, and more prominent toward the tip of each frond, not present from the petiole base to about mid way. The palms have looked green and otherwise healthy, however one palms new fronds coming from the center of the crown shaft has flopped over and is drooping. I thought the strong winds may have snapped it… but upon looking closer I noticed the black spots. Inspecting the other trees, I see they all have them… although they are the most pronounced on the tree with the drooping crown. Assuming the crown droop is related?

Can anyone help identify what this problem is? Is this a fungus? Too much water? Heat damage from the last 3 months of consistent 105+ degree weather here in Texas with no rain?

If it is indeed fungus, how should it be treated? A systemic drench of the roots? A topical spray? Copper? This is all new to me so please respond like I’m a 5th grader. lol Any details are appreciated!
 

Other relevant details:

Trees are in Houston, TX, and were planted in April. About 5’ - 6’ clear trunk size. Sprinklers in planter beds come on 3x per week for 6 mins each. Fertilized once with Palm gain in early summer. Heavy clay soil.

Thanks all!

[Phattydeluxe]

bump

[SoFlo]

Any updates on this? My sister lives south of Houston, and she had queens, fishtail, windmill, and pindo palms around the pool. She lost most of them in the freeze a couple years back. I told her she has to try a few mule palms in the yard.

[Phattydeluxe]

Not yet! Hoping someone here can identify what my black spots are all about. I too lost Sylvester’s in that hard freeze last year, so switched to Mules as they are supposedly good down to 15F, and Florida Sabals (good down to 10-15F).
 

Haven’t had them over a winter yet since I planted these in April. But clearly something is going on with my Mules. Sabals are a rock solid choice for Houston.

[Rivera]

24 minutes ago, Phattydeluxe said:

Not yet! Hoping someone here can identify what my black spots are all about. I too lost Sylvester’s in that hard freeze last year, so switched to Mules as they are supposedly good down to 15F, and Florida Sabals (good down to 10-15F).
 

Haven’t had them over a winter yet since I planted these in April. But clearly something is going on with my Mules. Sabals are a rock solid choice for Houston.

Sorry I can't answer your question Sean, but there is LOTS of mule palm talk in the Cold Hardy Palms subforum including a thread focused on minimum temps and cold damage.

Some members from places with cold winters focus their attention on that subforum, and I'll bet folks there can help you troubleshoot.

[Phattydeluxe]

45 minutes ago, Rivera said:

Sorry I can't answer your question Sean, but there is LOTS of mule palm talk in the Cold Hardy Palms subforum including a thread focused on minimum temps and cold damage.

Some members from places with cold winters focus their attention on that subforum, and I'll bet folks there can help you troubleshoot.

Thanks for the tip Rivera!

I'll repost this question there. Moderators, hopefully that's not bad form to post the question twice!