Question
We had a Pindo palm planted in our Central Florida landscape 3 months ago.  It has done very well, but just recently I noticed that most of the fronds have tiny black/dark brown spots and some larger splotches on them.  I asked the landscaper and he said this is normal for this type of palm and indicates that the leaves are getting ready to yellow or brown and be cut off.  If that is the case, I will have a palm without fronds.  I've read that it can be a potassium deficiency or fungus.  The new fronds in the center don't have the spotting yet.  We haven't fertilized yet, since we were told to wait 4 months after planting, so i don't know what to do.
Thanks

Answer
Hi Arlene, with out rainy season kicking in it is most assuredly a fungal problem, this is the season that fungus problems are rampant. Spray the new growth coming out with a copper fungicide and this should stem the problem; the lower infected fronds can be pruned off, but just the lower ones, leave all the rest infected or not. Nick