Question
Please, David, can you tell me what I can do about these beautifull 30 year old Sago Palms. Those beautiful plants are covered in a white substance like the hibiscus mealy bug and I wonder if you can give me an idea of what I should bathe them with. It is a pity to see these 8 ft wide majestic plants just browning away and dying.
Thank you very much for any help you can give me
All the best,   Minine

Answer
Sounds like an insect such as scale.  Buy Bayer Advanced Tree and Shrub Insecticide from Home Depot.  It is mixed with water and poured around the base of the plant.  It is taken up systemically and will kill the bugs within a week or so.  It also provides protection from reinfestation for up to a year.  Their bodies wont go away but they will be dead.  Good Luck.