Is this a bad sign for my Queen Palm?- strange appearance at base

[taraw]

Hello. I have a Queen Palm that seems healthy. However, the base of the tree (pictured below) has me concerned. When it was planted, we surrounded it with large beach rocks because my dog was digging around it. I am not sure if the rocks caused this issue, or if the landscapers did not plant it deep enough. We recently had a tree trimmer out, and he said he thinks it did not get planted deep enough. He also said that it will make the tree too wobbly to climb to trim it as it gets taller. It is now about 20' tall (planted 6 years ago). He recommended cutting it down. What do you all think? TIA

[Johnny Palmseed]

It is producing what are called adventitious roots. It is normal and does not affect the plant.

[Looking Glass]

When you put the rocks around it, they may have provided enough moisture and darkness to stimulate the adventitious roots to speed up.   When you took them away it revealed things a little more clearly.  If it bothers you, you can probably just mound up some dirt and they will grow into the ground. 

[Las Palmas Norte]

First off, fire your tree trimmer or at least limit his input to trimming. Secondly, this ↓ ↓ ↓

50 minutes ago, Johnny Palmseed said:

It is producing what are called adventitious roots. It is normal and does not affect the plant.

[Merlyn]

I agree with the others, adventitious roots are normal for Queens 6 inches to a foot or so above ground.  I have 3 or 4 queens doing the same thing, and it's a sign of good health and lots of root growth.  That's kinda the opposite of what your tree trimmer said.  The extra roots will make it stronger and more stable.  Here's a great primer on planting depth and adventitious roots:

http://www.marriedtoplants.com/palms/palm-tree-growing-tips-mounding/

[taraw]

Thanks so much everyone for your responses!  Sorry, I just joined the group and didn't realize people were replying to my question.  Much appreciated!!!

[Johnny Palmseed]

On 3/21/2023 at 11:51 AM, taraw said:

Thanks so much everyone for your responses!  Sorry, I just joined the group and didn't realize people were replying to my question.  Much appreciated!!!

That’s ok for now. But in the future, please try to spend a minimum of 2 hours per day on the site like so many of us do. 😁🌴

[Darold Petty]

Taraw, Welcome to Palmtalk !  

[Las Palmas Norte]

On 3/21/2023 at 8:51 AM, taraw said:

Thanks so much everyone for your responses!  Sorry, I just joined the group and didn't realize people were replying to my question.  Much appreciated!!!

That's what we do here. Welcome to Palm Talk. 🙂