Question
We planted 5 new royal palms about 2 weeks ago and were told to water them 30 min per day, which we do.  We have well drained sandy type soil.  One by one they are turning brown and appear to be dying.  They all have new shoots, but they are starting to turn brown as well.  We were told not to fertilize for 30 days.  I am worried they will be dead by then.  I saw numerous postings about the same thing.  Any ideas how to bring back these trees?

Answer
Hi Cherie, the 30 minutes a day is way too much for new palms, the roots are saturated and root rot is setting in; back off the watering and let them dry out some, 10 minutes every other day for the next week after letting the roots dry out, if they aren't already beyond help. I hear all the time about what is recommended for new planted palms and I shake my head; just visualize the root system and judge by how much you have watered, how much they need to remain irrigated, not soaked! let them dry Cherie, and hopefully if they are beyond help, the nursery that sold them will replace them, most give at least a 3 month guarantee. Nick