Question
We have recently bought a sego palm tree we have had it for about 7 weeks the tips of the leaves are now turning yellow and have some leaves have yellow spots we thought it might be over watered as it was near a sprinkler in direct sunlight for approximately 6-8 hours per day the sprinkler does turn on daily.  The last two weeks we have only watered it every 2-3 days and there has been no change we did leave it in direct sunlight.  We live in Fresno CA and the last couple of weeks the temperature has been over 100 degrees could this be the reason for the yellow spots?  We are going to try moving it in the shade but any thoughts?  Thank you for your attention and I look foward to hearing from you.

Answer
Hi Skye..    reasons of leaves turning yellow
OLD LEAVES MAY TURN YELLOW from over watering or too much fertilizer.   

NEW LEAVES MAY TURN YELLOW from excess fertilizer or poor soil conditions.  

Note: Once leaves turn yellow or brown, they should be removed from the plant.

Nutritional: Palms are very susceptible to nutrient deficiencies of nitrogen, potassium, magnesium and manganese. Symptoms include yellowing, streaking or even spotting of the fronds. Following a regular, balanced fertilization program for palms is important, especially in the sandy regions such as the outer Coastal Plain, where micronutrient deficiencies typically occur.

Insects and Diseases: Diseases that may affect palms and cycads include fungal leaf spots and root rots. Common insects that affect palms include spider mites, palm leaf skeletonizers and scale insects. Scale insects and mealybugs commonly attack cycads.

Chemical control of diseases and insects on large trees may not be feasible since adequate coverage of the foliage with a pesticide may not be possible.