Palms have adapted over the years to be somewhat tolerant of hurricane force winds. However, there has been significant damage to many palms as a result of Hurricane Wilma. Generally speaking, if the palm has any existing growth upright, it has a chance of recovery. If the tip of the palm is missing, the palm is dead.

In 2004, after hurricanes Frances and Jeanne, Palm Tree Doctor saved many palms (royal and others) with only the spear leaf showing. If your palm is in this condition, there is an excellent chance of recovery. It is critical that the palm is fertilized since the green fronds that have been stripped off by the winds contained nutrition that the palm was expecting to utilize.

If your palm has no spear leaf, but some growth still upright there are varying chances of survival. Fertilization is important to compensate for the green fronds that are no longer on the palm. If your palm is missing the top completely, it is, unfortunately, dead and there is no chance of survival. The palm should be removed.

If your palms have been blown completely over and the fronds are still intact, keep the roots wet until you are able to right the palm and stake back up. If you have hardwood trees we do not recommend righting them. If they do recover, the root system will never be as strong and they will be more susceptible to being blown over again. It is better just to replace the tree if possible and make sure it is trimmed properly from the very beginning.

Contact us today to have an ISA Certified Arborist set up an appointment to offer the correct solution for your palm.