Question
Hi. We live in Sarasota FL approx 1/2 mile from the Gulf. We have two 20 ft. coconut palms flanking our driveway. They look almost dead from the recent cold weather although there are still a few fronds sprouting from the top that are semi-green. What do you suggest or is this a lost cause?

Answer
Hi Kathy, I am in Port Charlotte, so I can empathize with you, for I too have gone through that horrible cold spell we had; if there is still any green at all showing on any of the fronds then don't so anything drastic, yet!  It is still too early for new growth to really begin to manifest itself; the heart of the Palm is the key, if it is still viable then new, healthy fronds should emerge within the next Month. If however nothing develops within that period, and the existing green fronds browns out, then it is in fact gone, and then the crown will collapse, for "crown rot" will have set in from the cold. Nick