Question
Majestic palms
I have 3 Majestic palms planted in-ground as part of the landscape around my backyard pool. They have been in the ground for approx. 2 years but this winter here in Texas has been colder than the preceding ones. I live about 30 miles NW of Houston and need to know what I should do about winter care for the these trees. Right now they look pretty sad and dry, due to the recent cold spells we have had. Should I prune them back 2-3 inches from the trunk, just trim/ cut the dead fronds, etc.? If you can help I would appreciate it. Thanks.
AnswerMike,
Cut away the outermost dead fronds. Then don't do anything until we are relatively sure that the damaging weather is over. If severe frosts are predicted again take heavy blankets out and wrap each palm and clamp the blankets around them with spring clamps to protect the heart of the plants. If you cut away all green parts of the plant it will die or if there are no green parts of the plant left in the spring the plant is probably dead. Because of this weird weather you need to be prepared to protect your favorite tender landscape plants with some heavy blankets and clamps like we are in the north. You can pick up blankets at Goodwill stores or Salvation Army stores. In the spring fertilize them with palm fertilizer and that will help trigger new growth faster. Good luck.
Darlene
