Protect Katy Palms

Most are aware of protecting tropical plants like Hibiscus and Bouganvilla from freezing weather but many forget about palms. Palm trees more closely related to a grass than a tree. Queen and King Palms are examples of palms that cannot tolerate long periods of freezing temperatures. Cold temperatures slow the growth rate of palms, reduce root activity and weaken the plant, making it more susceptible to disease. Frost temperatures will kill the foliage of many palm species and can reduce the function of water conducting tissue. Wrapping the trunk with freeze cloth is a good idea. Larger palm foliage might be protected by spraying with an anti-transpirant such as Cloud Cover. Bundling the fronds can protect the tender palm “heart.”

If preventive measures are not taken, to help the palm survive a restoration program using copper based fungicides should be initiated within a couple weeks after a hard freeze. However, the final results of the program will not be apparent until late spring. Don’t cut back any fronds that have green remaining and leave totally dead leaves until spring, as they can insulate the palm from further cold temperatures.

When attempting to protect plants during cold weather it’s best to use a freeze cloth designed for that purpose and which will allow the plants to breathe. Home Depot has an insulated cloth material called Planket Plant Covers which, it appears, would make the whole process easier. View that product at www.theplanket.com.