Hi,

I have a windmill palm that has been in our yard for ~5 years. Normally fertilize a couple of times a year with Jobe stakes. Noticed a week or so ago that lower fronds are turning yellow. We had a mild, wet winter this year. I live in central South Carolina. Any suggestions?

Just looks like regular die off to me.

Linear yellow bands are typically a sign of Magnesium deficiency.  Since they are older fronds dying it might just indicate a mild deficiency.  IIRC Jobe's spikes are just NPK and don't have any of the necessary minor elements (Mn, Mg, Fe, B ) so an added palm elements fertilizer might help.

If you haven't already, double check the spears by gentle tugging.  This is probably normal winter die off.  If new spears coming out look fine then you are ok usually.  The two planted together has both competing for space/resources which is not ideal.   I would fertilize with a slow release like palmgain or osmocote if you haven't already.  Make sure to put enough as these are big trees (Around 2 cups if using mentioned fertilizer).  Work evenly into top 2-3 inches of soil in a 18 inch distance out from trunk.  Make sure the roots are moist as the raised bed you have looks very raised and has very loose soil.  This can dry out.  Don't cut old fronds until fully brown if you want best results.   

@wlmolair I agree with the other posters.  Welcome to PalmTalk!

Yep, just looks like normal old leaf at the end of it's time. Trim them off & it will be fine. I trim mine up every spring.

BTW, those fertilizer spikes are a waste of money.

1 hour ago, Ben in Norcal said:

Just looks like regular die off to me.

I agree. This happens every year to my Trachy's at the end of winter / early spring. 

I think it is partly due to the wet-cold ground preventing the palm from absorbing sufficient levels of nitrogen, potassium etc in the soil. I stand by that as the palm's health usually improves by about mid May, when the soil starts heating up again nicely, allowing better uptake of nutrients.

And Trachy's grown in warmer, Mediterranean/sub-tropical climates don't seem to have this problem.  At least not as badly affected anyway. 

Thanks for all of the advice. I think I am going to switch away from the Jobe spikes to Palmgain this year and be patient!

The N-P-K ratio for the stakes, even the palms tree ones, are horrible.  You need a a ratio where the first and last number are much closer.

Nice palm. I also use Carl Pool palm fertilizer. I have good results. As others have said, it is not uncommon for palms to be less efficient with mineral uptake in winter when roots can get stressed. Even the soil itself reacts different and some minerals can get bound and less available for uptake. This is common in all climates.