Question
Nick, I spent some time with my Christmas palm today.  All 3 center pieces pulled out easily, were goopy, and had a foul odor, so I am assuming I have lost the palm?  What is the best way to remove this palm and replant another?  Do I need to change the soil?  What would be the best way to protect a new palm in the future.  I live on the east coast of florida and we have not had a winter as cold as our last, but I don't want to take a chance on losing another very expensive palm.
Thanks,
Janet

Answer
Hi Janet, when the fronds pull out like that, the palm is usually kaput, albeit some have made it and sent out new growth, only to succumb to the ensuing winter because of their weakened state; Christmas Palms are probably the most susceptible to cold damage, followed by Foxtails (another favorite). I recommend considering a "Sylvester date palm" they are more expensive, but are much nicer looking and more importantly,,,,cold hardy! Removing the existing palm is relatively easy, they have a very shallow root system that should be easy to dig up. The existing soil is fine, for the palm died from cold damage, not anything in the soil, and the existing cavity (after removal) will make it easier to plant the new one. Let me know if you want other suggestions for palms, but the Sylvester is at the top of my list. Nick