Question
QUESTION: I have inground planters around our pool.  The two Robellini's on each side of the pool entry are looking droopy, weak and frones are yellowish, not green like the others around the pool.  Our retriever enters and exits all day long at that location and I suspect the pool water is causing this problem. Our pool uses very little chlorine and a cartridge with other chemicals of which I am not sure of the content.  We have tried to block the palms off from the dog until we can get it happy again.  Also, what is the white-ish, sand looking granular on the frones and shooters?  This is even on my other "happy" robellini's.  I love my plants and trees and take good care if them, but can't get this problem resolved.  I look forward to a solution to this problem.

Thank You,
Sandi

ANSWER: Hi Sandi, the whitish looking granular type substance is completely normal...no worries there,,,it is only prevalent on the newer fronds and will fade as they mature, but the two that are failing is definitely a problem in the root system; something is stressing them. Without being there, I can't be sure what it is, but it could be either a chemical secretion from the pool itself, or Fido is doing something. You may need to change out the soil in the planters and repot the stressed Palms. Nick

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your quick response to our problem.  These trees have been in the ground for over a year.  I'm afraid of stressing the worse with takin them out to add new soil.  Can I fertilize with something special, if so what?? Or just put new soil around it as best I can without pulling them out, they are fairly large trees.  Also, our dogs don't
their business in there, thank goodness, so we can eliminate that :).   Looking forward to your response.
Thank you

Answer
....I am assuming they have rec'd "Palm 101"....fertilizing 3 times a year...spraying with Copper every 3 Months and protecting against freeze damage.(if applicable) if not, then therin could be the problem, for sometimes it takes several years before damage from neglect will show itself.....let me know the care they have recieved since planting.