Question
I have six newly planted royal palms about 20 to 25 feet in length and the lower branches all seem to be browning considerably. I have removed several from each tree. The ones that are green have brown tips and I'm afraid they too will turn all brown. I have been watering them with about 20 to 25 gallons of water per day since they were planted about three weeks ago. They came from a very wet tree farm and I live in Southwest Florida. I hear some say that is too much and others say you can't water them enough. I also notice as soon as I begin watering there are literally thousands of ants that climb up the tree from the trunk. Some seem to be carrying small white fragments. I'm told they are eggs but I can't help but think they are part of the root. Some fertilizer was used when they were first planted and I just put down some Manganese. I also sprinkled some ant poison around the base. Any idea what may be causing the quick browning of the branches?

Answer
Hey Bob, first of all the ants are carrying eggs, because they obviously have a nest in the root ball and the considerable water you are laying down is forcing them to evacuate the nest, so they carry the brood (eggs and larvae) with them; now, they palm itself, first of all, whomever planted them needs to be contacted and apprised of whats happening; it could very well be just transplant shock, but without seeing it, I can't be sure. There is no need for fertilizing at this stage, right now, just ample water is suffice. The only advice I can give you at this point is chase down the nursery who put them  in. Nick