For the Palm in Your Hands: Preventing Palm Tree Disease

Front view of a stucco house and green front yard in Orlando, FL

Front view of a stucco house and green front yard in Orlando, FL

There’s a lot to love about living in Orlando. From the warm weather to picturesque beaches, perhaps nothing better embodies the seaside lifestyle of Florida better than the palm tree. These tall, unique trees originated in Africa and have been on the planet for millions of years. Fast forward to the present day and they’re all over the place adding a special touch to the look and feel of the area.

Yes, palm trees are wonderful, but they require a certain level of care to thrive. Luckily, the team at Grasshoppers is experienced in general tree care, and we are masters of palm tree care as well. With our help, these landmark trees in your yard can be protected from all the major damaging diseases.

Common Palm Tree Diseases

The diseases that can potentially kill your palm tree differ depending on the species of tree and the conditions it’s planted in. But if you ask any gardener or landscaper, they’ll tell you that a major issue for palm trees in Orlando FL is lethal bronzing disease. Also known as Texas Phoenix Palm Decline, this disease is caused by the bacteria found in the American palm cixiid.

LBD starts with the death of fruit or flowers on the tree and ends with the newest frond at the crown of the tree collapsing and the entire tree dying. It’s crucial to catch it early and remove the infection before it has a chance to spread, but this should always be done by a lawn care professional like the team at Grasshoppers. 

Other Forms of Palm Tree Damage

  • Lethal yellowing disease, or LYD, which is less commonly found but has greatly reduced the population of tall coconut palms in many parts of Orlando.
  • Leaf spots and false smut, both caused by fungi.
  • Bud rot, which reflects in the form of wilted fronds and an over-topped crown.
  • Palm weevils once targeted dead and dying trees but have recently become a threat to healthy palms as well.
  • Rugose Spiraling Whiteflies, a relatively new threat, contribute to the spread of deadly molds and fungi around palms and other trees. 

What Causes Palm Tree Diseases?

Palm trees can be rather difficult to tend to throughout the year, but if you don’t give it the maintenance it needs you run the risk of it developing damage and disease. 

It’s all about balance. Overwatering and underwatering both can cause fronds to discolor, fall off, and die. Palm trees without enough sun will have browning leaves, while palm trees kept in direct sunlight can literally be stripped of color and nutrients. A healthy palm tree needs to be planted at the right depth, and in the proper, appropriately-fertilized soil. 

Sounds like a lot to handle? That’s okay! Grasshoppers is experienced with palm tree care and will make sure the palm trees in your property thrive!

Palm Tree Care in Orlando

It’s always nice to have lush and vibrant landscaping around your property, but if you want a yard like the ones you see in the magazines it takes a lot of hard work. But with the help of the tree care experts at Grasshoppers, it’s well within your grasp. 

Our tree technicians are familiar with every aspect of planting, maintenance, and removal. With our help, you can enjoy all the benefits of a picturesque, Floridian lawn without needing to make yourself an expert landscaper. Want to know more? Contact us today to get started!