Q: I have a palm tree where the frond tips are turning yellow.ย I know that the lower fronds usually turn yellow or brown due to age, but the yellowing tips are throughout the entire tree. I have not changed any watering or fertilizing schedules. Any thoughts on why this yellowing is occurring?
A:ย Frond tips turning yellow and brown are often a symptom of drought and excess salt in the soil around the roots. Fortunately, the cure for both of these is the same, more water.
A good soak once every few months will help wash the salt out of the root zone. The rest of the time these trees should be getting water every seven to 10 days in the summer, 10 to 14 days in the spring and fall, and every two to three weeks in the winter. Each time the water should reach a depth of 36 inches. With proper irrigation and an occasional soak, you will soon see how we can be good fronds for the palms.
Peter L. Warren is the urban horticulture agent for the Pima County Cooperative Extension and the University of Arizona. Questions may be emailed to
