Broken Spear on Queen Palm

[SueH_AZ]

We have a recurring problem with one of our queen palms. For the second summer in a row, its spear has been broken by a summer storm. We have several other queen palms and this never happens to any of the rest of them.

This is the tree.

Here's what happened to the spear.

A close up of the "break":

This may sound silly but is there a way to brace the spear so that it remains upright?

This tree was finally starting to look good after having the same issue last summer. Last year, my husband just cut off the damaged spear but we'd rather not do that again if there's another solution. This tree is in a very visible spot so it's pretty frustrating that it keeps happening.

Thanks for any advice!

Edited August 13, 2014 by SueH_AZ

[ando.wsu]

I have one that has done this as well the past three years. Always around this time of year when the humidity is up.

My theory was maybe I watered it too much, and the soil in that area became too saturated causing poor spear development. I do keep up with applying micros and fertilizer etc.

My other three planted together do not show these same symptoms or traits.

The latest spear that did this was rather yellow looking. Once it cools off the next spears become a darker green once again.

I feel your pain. I want my palms to look perfect year round.

[Aiello's garden]

My spear had a rotten spot on the first 12 inches of the spear. I cut it off because I didn't want it to spread. I can see the spear in the crown but now it has no tip. Hopefully it will push all the way out and the next one will be healthy