Question
QUESTION: We were having some trees trimmed and on branch fell onto the Foxtail, breaking the spear and a new frond on top.  Will this hurt the palm?  What should I do?

ANSWER: Hi Kenny, As in a human, the heart is the keystone to survival, the heart of the palm is located just below the area where the spear emerges; if this heart is traumatized , then the palm will stress and leave it open to possible fungal infestation. Without physically seeing the damage, it is hard for me to give definitive advice; by what you say, I am assuming that the spear "alone" was bent by the branch and hopefully the  bottom part is still attached and not damaged. If the heart is unharmed, and the bottom of the spear is still firmly attached, then the palm should continue to grow unhindered, but will be malformed for quite awhile, until a new spear emerges and the older spear, having developed into a frond and flopped to the side is out of the way.,An image would be great, if you can send one, this would give me a better perspective. Nick

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


palm tree   QUESTION: another view...for some reason I can only attach one picture at a time. Let me know if you need more...I have to other angles

Answer
...let the damaged spear finish its emergence , it may very well continue to open, albeit abnormally, but this is important to leave it be until (or if.) it turns brown, indicating that it is no longer viable. The other damaged frond can stay too, until it too turns brown. Watch the center of the heart for a new spear, this will be the litmus test to whether the palm is in trouble or not, but that will be Months down the road.