Considerations

• Ultimately, a palm tree's degree of vulnerability to frost damage depends on the variety of palm species, its age, and its relative health prior to the frost. Young palms in poor health are particularly vulnerable to cold weather. These palm trees should be adequately covered during frost warnings. Of course, before planting palm trees, verify which species are appropriate for the climate zone where you live. In Florida, there are many attractive cold-hardy palm species to consider.
  
  

Solution

• Apply a fungicide containing copper to the frost-damaged fronds as well as to the bud of the palms. Reapply in two weeks. Do not apply more than twice, or you may further damage the palm trees.
  
  

Identification

• When the weather is consistently warm again, trim off all brown palm fronds present. You will know if the palms are dead or severely damaged if the new growth is brown, misshapen and easily breaks, or if the crown of the palms collapse. If the palm trees are dead, they should be removed.
  
  

Prevention

• Palms that are still alive should be regularly fertilized. Cold temperatures can weaken the health of palm trees, making them more susceptible to bugs and plant disease. Apply a granular palm fertilizer three or four times a year to promote the health of your palms.