Question
We live on Lake Conroe and during this past freeze we wrapped and securely taped each palm with thick black plastic.  I have been removing with great difficulty each frond as it falls and droops against the base of the palm.  I read your note to another person on the palms and survival.  I was told to only remove the frond as it bends and falls.  Should I go ahead and remove the other brown fronds.  Some of the fronds the stem is somewhat green but the long leaves (for lack of correct terminology) are brown.  I am so concerned about these huge palms.  Any and all advice is appreciated.  Thanks...North Houston suffered two weeks of below freezing this past winter.

Answer
Hi Liz, Yes, it was a real bad Winter everywhere, even here in South Florida; the rule of thumb with Palms (any variety) is,,if the frond has any green in it at all, then leave it be, for it is still functional, and extremely important to the palm for nutrient intake. If a frond is totally brown, then indeed remove it, being careful not to cut into the trunk itself when doing so. Spray the heart of the Palm with a Copper fungicide, to prevent any fungal outbreaks, especially in its stressed condition. The hear is just below where the fronds emerge. The fate of the Palm is in Mother Natures hands now, you can only keep it properly irrigated and fertilized; in the future, don't use black plastic, use a frost fabric, wrap the heart with about 3 layers, and mulch the ground around the roots heavily.  Good Luck!...and be patient..:).Nick