CIDP not looking good

[Rivera]

This is my neighbor's CIDP. Not sure how old it is, but it's over 30 feet tall.

Crown is looking gray/brown, and the new leaves, though green, appear as though they may be stunted. 

I fear it's the beginning of the end for this palm, and I will be sad to see it go. Many homeowners don't bother to plant much on these small urban lots, so the loss of a any large plant such as this feels substantial. 

[Las Palmas Norte]

On 10/16/2023 at 1:29 PM, Rivera said:

I fear it's the beginning of the end for this palm, and I will be sad to see it go. Many homeowners don't bother to plant much on these small urban lots, so the loss of a any large plant such as this feels substantial. 

Any updates on the tree?

 

[Rivera]

13 hours ago, Las Palmas Norte said:

Any updates on the tree?

 

Still going. 

There are many healthy looking CIDPs in the greater neighborhood (and throughout San Francisco), but they seem to suffer a bit in the last few outer avenues of the Sunset District.

This species does not appear to suffer the same fate in comparable proximity to the ocean just down the coast in the town of Santa Cruz where my brother lives. 

Whatever the reasons, I suspect their stunted growth or premature death could likely be overcome with a minimum of care (that they're unlikely to receive here). 

[Las Palmas Norte]

1 hour ago, Rivera said:

... I suspect their stunted growth or premature death could likely be overcome ...

By the term "stunted" I assume you mean recent issues since, as you state it's 30' tall. Have there been any recent concerns that would be contributing to this?

[Johnny Palmseed]

It could easily happen because of a new owner not fertilizing. Or perhaps they planted grass where there was none before. Now the grass takes what little nutrients are available before the palm can get to it. I’m not sure but I would think that large, old palms would require more water and fertilizer than small, young ones. I frequently see old queen palms around here that continue to grow in lawns but get deficient as they get older. Typically they will produce stunted growth before they fizzle out due to lack of remedial care.

[Rivera]

"Stunted" is just a relative assessment.

Lawns are nearly non-existent in my neighborhood. The property hasn't recently changed hands. I don't know the property owner very well, but I doubt it receives anything. CIDPs are treated as a self-sustaining palm here .

Just three blocks further inland they seem to do better. In the very westernmost avenues by the ocean, they seem to decline by the time they reach this size. 

The native dune sand is not totally devoid of nutrients, but it isn't especially fertile either. It's bound to be exhausted eventually.

[TropicsEnjoyer]

Isn’t RPW prevalent around there? I think the first signs are like stunted or weirdly cut fronds. Though this is a lot more grave assessment. Either way, sad to see such mature trees suffering like this.

[Rivera]

23 minutes ago, TropicsEnjoyer said:

Isn’t RPW prevalent around there? I think the first signs are like stunted or weirdly cut fronds. Though this is a lot more grave assessment. Either way, sad to see such mature trees suffering like this.

No, not in northern California.

Probably just years of suboptimal living conditions.

Brahea edulis and Chamaerops humilis are the best adapted to the area if they are to receive no care. Many other palms growable with basic care.

Phoenix canariensis are common and in my judgement don't begin to present substantial nutritional deficiencies here until they're older. Of course, I am not an expert. 

[Johnny Palmseed]

16 hours ago, Rivera said:

No, not in northern California.

Probably just years of suboptimal living conditions.

Brahea edulis and Chamaerops humilis are the best adapted to the area if they are to receive no care. Many other palms growable with basic care.

Phoenix canariensis are common and in my judgement don't begin to present substantial nutritional deficiencies here until they're older. Of course, I am not an expert. 

Suboptimal - that’s a good way to describe what I was referring to. It’s survives but doesn’t thrive.