Question
We have removed the damaged fronds and new green growth is emerging from the center of 12-15 ft areca palms.  The outer trunks are devoid of fronds (2-3 inches diameter).  Should they be removed at this point (even though the base is green), and if so,does the resultant cut at the base need to be sealed like a tree trunk where a limb is removed?

Answer
Hi Gary, prune away any fronds that are totally brown and spray the resulting crown, (devoid of fronds) with a copper fungicide (home depot), then just leave it be, it could be months before it shows any vitality. Keep it properly watered and the rest is up to Mother Nature. Leave the main stems be , even though they are devoid of fronds, only cut off the brown fronds. Later when you get a clearer picture of what is alive and what is dead you can prune more off. Nick