Question
We moved into a house in South Florida that has 3 Foxtail Palm trees in our front yard....but they don't seem to be doing good to me...when the frondes come out some of the leaves start turning black/grey/brown....and on one of the Foxtails it seems to have parts on it that are rotting...anyway, how do you save Foxtails that seem to be dying?  thanks!

Answer
Hi Connie, well, without a history its tough, but from what you describe it sounds like they have definitely been neglected; they probably are nutriently challenged and may even have been planted improperly, all possibilities and at this point all you can do is lay down a couple of pounds of a well balanced palm fertilizer, spread evenly from the drip line in (furthest frond), make sure they are not planted too deep (you should be able to see the top of the roots), and check the crown, if it is mushy, they may have crown rot, which is fatal. I wish I could see them, it would be much easier, but again, tough without a history. Check with your local Cooperative Extension Officer, he/she and his/her Master Gardners can afford you invaluable assistance (hands on!)..Nick