Question
We had an unusual hard freeze in St. Petersburg, FL about a month ago.  I have an areca palm tree (about 10 years old and 20 feet high).  All the fronds turned brown and now they're brittle and cracking.  The plant has about 12 stalks/stems.  I'm not sure if it's dead or if it will come back, but is there anything I can do for now?  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Hi Tom, I am in Port Charlotte, and I too have cold damage to my Palms, but Arecas are not a worry, they are very durable; the frond damage is significant, but new fronds will emerge within the month and it will be fine. Wait until you see new growth from the center, then begin pruning off the dead fronds, and when you do, make certain that you trim them at the trunk, so that the entire frond is removed. Keep it properly irrigated and spray it with a Copper fungicide, to deter any fungal problems setting in. Nick