Hole in Foxtail trunk

11 years ago

One of my Foxtails has about a two inch hole in the trunk about a foot above the base. The palm is about 15 feet tall and appears to be healthy.

Is there anything that can be used to fill the hole to prevent disease from getting in there or is the tree's fate already sealed?

Thanks.

Comments (2)

tropicalzone7
11 years ago
Yuccas get really overgrown and top heavy around here so a heavy rain or snow will cause them to fall. People remedy this problem by putting concrete in the weak parts of the trunk so maybe you can do the same for your Foxtail palm. Palms get holes in their trunks occasionally, usually it has to do with a sprinkler being close by. Larger holes can cause problems during bad storms (like hurricanes) because the weak spot can give way, but I havent seen a palm damaged by these holes other wise.
I think a little concrete should work to cover the hole, but definitely hear some other opinions first!
-Alex
tropicbreezent
11 years ago
Do you have any photos? Do you have any idea how the hole developed, slowly or quite rapidly? Never been a problem with mine, although I'm in a different climate to yours. But can't imagine it being anything other than some insect or other animal chewing in to it.
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OK...links with photos here....(3rd photo shows nudules that seem to be more prevalent on the trunk of this tree than the others). http://www1.snapfish.com/slideshow/AlbumID=248783149/PictureID=8822596012/a=104491102_104491102/t_=104491102 http://www1.snapfish.com/slideshow/AlbumID=248783149/PictureID=8819932012/a=104491102_104491102/t_=104491102 http://www1.snapfish.com/slideshow/AlbumID=248783149/PictureID=8819933012/a=104491102_104491102/t_=104491102 At least I think these are the links. The one to the whole album is below....last 3 are the palms. Here is a link that might be useful: Album w/ Photos...last 3 are palm.
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Sorry to see that - especially on such a well established tree. We've had a few things scalded/burned badly in the Texas sun, but with those the damage was clearly terminal pretty quickly. Don't know of much you can do to treat the burn other than keeping the tree hydrated and as healthy as possible while it tries to heal itself. I have no idea on how likely yours will be able to bounce back; but have certainly seen photos of much worse. I'd be tempted to add some form of shade, though haven't found it confirmed anywhere that this will help promote healing or prevent further damage after a scald/burn has already occurred. If nobody offers better advice here, you might check with your county agent or a well recommended arborist.
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Hole in Foxtail trunk

Comments (2)

tropicalzone7

tropicbreezent

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