Question
I am losing two of my three trunk pygmy date palms and it seems to be crown rot.  I would like to replace these, but would be interested in knowing what causes crown rot so that I do not have the same problem with the next ones.  I have a third one right next to these two and this one is fine.

Answer
Hi Diane, crown rot is usually caused by too much moisture, especially when too much mulch is piled at the base of the palm; when you plant the next one, make sure its planted at the same level as it is in the nursery container, and keep the mulch (if you use it) at least a foot away from the base of the palm. Nick