Worried about my windmill!!!!

[MIKE82397]

Just noticed my biggest windmill is looking kinda puny. The fronds are all closed up and just overall not looking like it’s usual self. I can only attribute it to the wet weather we’ve had recently although there’s been a fair share of sun as well. Not like days straight of rain but some rain every day and a few downpours. Not blistering hot yet although It was 98 here today and will get hotter as the week progresses. No others palms seem to exhibit this condition. Newer spears seem ok. Gave it a dose of h202. Any other suggestions or thoughts on what has happened? Thanks

[NC-Key-Bar]

I’m in eastern NC, and mine look like this, or worse. I think they start to stress over 90 degrees in heavy sun. I’ve been watering most days we get into the 90s without rain. 

[MIKE82397]

This is the 1st year it's tall enough to not have a little shade from the house in the morning. It is definitely in full blasting sun all day. Doesn't appear to be any nutrient deficiency (yellowing etc.) so it's either water related or heat related or both. I hate to soak it and it be root rot. I guess I need to dig around a little in the dirt. It's clay so it stays moist but not saturated. How wet is too wet??? I have some slow release 8-2-12 and also some micronutrients pellets. What's the consensus on fertilizing now

[Swolte]

How long have you had this palm and is this unusual for this to occur? If so, anything unusual in weather or fertilization? Disease and critters can hit at any time but there's no strong evidence of that. Any crazy temp swings? From your description, it sounds like you had above normal rain. Being in clay can be an issue for this palm then but it doesn't have to be the end of it. Get one of those moisture meter sticks for a few bucks to check whether its 'wet' at various depths.  If the clay is a problem, there's limited options.

[Zone7Bpalmguy]

@MIKE82397 If it seems stressed, I would not fertilize it right now, especially in this heat wave we are in. See if it changes once the heat lets up. 

A number of years back, I lost a sizable windmill in the summer that had about 4-5' of trunk. I honestly don't know what happened to it but the spears were affected first and looked like they would coming out of a hard winter.

I assume these fronds weren't like this from winter damage. It could be their natural response to lessen the loss of moisture. Do the fronds unfold after the sun goes down or early morning before sun- up? 

[NC-Key-Bar]

Sharing my own. A few of these are razor thin on the ends. Currently 99.5 outside. 
 

[Rubberboots]

6 hours ago, MIKE82397 said:

This is the 1st year it's tall enough to not have a little shade from the house in the morning. It is definitely in full blasting sun all day. Doesn't appear to be any nutrient deficiency (yellowing etc.) so it's either water related or heat related or both. I hate to soak it and it be root rot. I guess I need to dig around a little in the dirt. It's clay so it stays moist but not saturated. How wet is too wet??? I have some slow release 8-2-12 and also some micronutrients pellets. What's the consensus on fertilizing now

@MIKE82397 i would dig it up and amend that clay...your gonna get root rot.

 

[Chester B]

I think its the combo of heat, humidity, excess rainfall and hot nights.  If it was my palm I would do nothing.  No watering, definitely no fertilizing and hopefully it comes out of it.  

The fronds usually close up like that when they are in serious drought, which doesn't seem to be the issue.  The couple of time I have seen small palms do that in summer they spear pulled and died.

These palms do best with cooler nights and you may have just gone outside its comfort zone with the current conditions.  I generally take the sit and wait approach instead of overreacting.

[Las Palmas Norte]

2 minutes ago, Chester B said:

I think its the combo of heat, humidity, excess rainfall and hot nights. ...

Completely out of it's natural range of suitability. Probably recover but repeat events will further stress the palm.

[MIKE82397]

9 hours ago, Swolte said:

How long have you had this palm and is this unusual for this to occur? If so, anything unusual in weather or fertilization? Disease and critters can hit at any time but there's no strong evidence of that. Any crazy temp swings? From your description, it sounds like you had above normal rain. Being in clay can be an issue for this palm then but it doesn't have to be the end of it. Get one of those moisture meter sticks for a few bucks to check whether its 'wet' at various depths.  If the clay is a problem, there's limited options.

This palm has 3 or 4 winters under its belt. Has never done anything but grow like a weed and extremely healthy. Only fronds it’s ever lost is one’s I’ve had to cut to make winter wrapping better. I’ve got a nice reotemp moisture meter. ( reads from 4to 8 in various spots around tree with 10 being wet)  The ground is by no means soggy. Really kinda takes a little force to push it down about 6 or so inches. What would you look for as far as pests or disease.?? Also it seems more prevalent on the newer fronds which are also the ones exposed to more sun if that means anything. Thanks @Swolte

[MIKE82397]

6 hours ago, Chester B said:

I think its the combo of heat, humidity, excess rainfall and hot nights.  If it was my palm I would do nothing.  No watering, definitely no fertilizing and hopefully it comes out of it.  

The fronds usually close up like that when they are in serious drought, which doesn't seem to be the issue.  The couple of time I have seen small palms do that in summer they spear pulled and died.

These palms do best with cooler nights and you may have just gone outside its comfort zone with the current conditions.  I generally take the sit and wait approach instead of overreacting.

@Chester B I think you are spot on. I guess I’ll have to give it a few weeks and see if it’s still pushing spears.  Thanks for the advise

[MIKE82397]

8 hours ago, NC-Key-Bar said:

Sharing my own. A few of these are razor thin on the ends. Currently 99.5 outside. 
 

 

8 hours ago, NC-Key-Bar said:

Sharing my own. A few of these are razor thin on the ends. Currently 99.5 outside. 
 

@NC-Key-Bar do you attribute this only to the heat or have you had above average rainfall as well. My fronds seem to have more of a fried look. I thought you mentioned you were watering frequently as well. It really just turned extra hot this week here. Hopefully cooling back to a balmy 90 by weekend. It’s weird palms 4 feet away look perfectly fine. Time will tell.  thanks

[SeanK]

9 hours ago, Zone7Bpalmguy said:

@MIKE82397 If it seems stressed, I would not fertilize it right now, especially in this heat wave we are in. See if it changes once the heat lets up. 

A number of years back, I lost a sizable windmill in the summer that had about 4-5' of trunk. I honestly don't know what happened to it but the spears were affected first and looked like they would coming out of a hard winter.

I assume these fronds weren't like this from winter damage. It could be their natural response to lessen the loss of moisture. Do the fronds unfold after the sun goes down or early morning before sun- up? 

Agree. No fertilizer. Wait until temps drop back some. Try to water deep in the morning.

[MIKE82397]

9 hours ago, Zone7Bpalmguy said:

@MIKE82397 If it seems stressed, I would not fertilize it right now, especially in this heat wave we are in. See if it changes once the heat lets up. 

A number of years back, I lost a sizable windmill in the summer that had about 4-5' of trunk. I honestly don't know what happened to it but the spears were affected first and looked like they would coming out of a hard winter.

I assume these fronds weren't like this from winter damage. It could be their natural response to lessen the loss of moisture. Do the fronds unfold after the sun goes down or early morning before sun- up? 

@Zone7Bpalmguy yea it’s definitely stressed. I’m leaning towards the excess rain lately. Did not look like this until maybe the last week or so gradually developing a fried shriveled look on the upper fronds. 

[ZPalms]

Just an observation but could the rocks be making it hotter?

[Allen]

I agree with don't fertilize and dig down 6 inches and check roots and moisture.  keep well watered during this heat wave.  Don't water fronds

[MIKE82397]

6 hours ago, Allen said:

I agree with don't fertilize and dig down 6 inches and check roots and moisture.  keep well watered during this heat wave.  Don't water fronds

Thanks @Allen I just pulled some of the stone back to get a closer look at the soil and lots of exposed roots. Also the area around the palm is kinda in a depressed area( I guess where the dirt has settled since planted) I’ve watched your video on this situation and plan on adding dirt up to the root initiation zone. Do you think this has contributed to the fried look of the upper fronds. I guess I’ll water it in good( at soil level) as  honestly the soil does not appear to be overly wet and near 100 today

 

[jwitt]

Just a thought from here in the desert, why no weeds?

Seems dry to me.

 

[Allen]

13 hours ago, MIKE82397 said:

Thanks @Allen I just pulled some of the stone back to get a closer look at the soil and lots of exposed roots. Also the area around the palm is kinda in a depressed area( I guess where the dirt has settled since planted) I’ve watched your video on this situation and plan on adding dirt up to the root initiation zone. Do you think this has contributed to the fried look of the upper fronds. I guess I’ll water it in good( at soil level) as  honestly the soil does not appear to be overly wet and near 100 today

 

Good news roots look ok.  If I were you I would get rid of all the rocks in a 18"-24" distance from the trunk and add (a mix of yard clay with 10-20%  compost or soil conditioner from Lowes up to the yellow line) https://www.lowes.com/pd/Evergreen-2-cu-ft-Organic-Drainage-and-Aeration/999911447 .  I can't tell how high that is in the pic but if over 2-3" you may need to add a tree ring or make one out of larger rocks to keep from erosion.  Is there landscape fabric in there???   If so make sure it is cleared for that distance.   The heat transmitting from the rocks into the root zone might be causing your issue since rocks are in direct contact with roots.  You might be able to wash those rocks out away from there with a hose 

[MIKE82397]

So it’s been about a month of a downhill spiral with this palm. I’ve taken @Allen advise and removed the rocks and fabric around all of my palms in this area and added a bit of the clay breaker and topsoil to the existing top couple inches of clay and tried to work it in without disturbing the roots to bad. Given about 3-4 oz of h202 several times over the past month while tugging on the spears a bit. Well today they let go. Basically all the new growth pulled and of course all the newer fronds attached to the trunk have completely fried. I did notice some tiny little insects on the rotting spears maybe 1/16” long. Not sure if that’s more of a result of the rotting tissue or a cause of the issue. I am still leaning towards excessive rain we had in may but palms 6 ft. away are super healthy 

NOW WHAT?
Should I go to more of a copper fungicide treatment ?
Should I continue h202?

Should I cover that spear  area so no rain gets in? And with what?

Should I do a trunk cut?
Should I do nothing
Any and all advise appreciated

 

 

 

[WSimpson]

I would trunk cut it to healthy tissue and  pour hydrogen peroxide on the area . If the bud isn't rotten it will grow out normally .

Good luck . 

 

Below is a Sabal palmetto that the spear area pulled out . It's growing out nicely .

 

 

 

[Allen]

Yes this late cut until you see healthy center and try to keep as many green fronds as possible.  I would probably stop if it meant cutting many green ones to get to the firm center core.  Put more hydrogen peroxide after the cut and douse the top with a sevin type insecticide dust.   

 

[MIKE82397]

I think it might be a goner. I made 4 different cuts trying to get below the  "mush" . The center is now solid but still a little soft around perimeter. Just didnt want to cut any more. Doused it with h202 and it was working overtime. Will try to keep dry and give it a couple weeks to see if it's gonna make it. Thanks yall

[Chester B]

From what I've seen when Trachys go bad in summer, its over.  If it were winter or spring, there is a good chance of recovery.

In your trunk cut photo what you have cut down to doesn't look healthy to me.  Maybe you can snag an end of summer deal on a replacement.

[Zone7Bpalmguy]

5 hours ago, Chester B said:

From what I've seen when Trachys go bad in summer, its over.  If it were winter or spring, there is a good chance of recovery.

In your trunk cut photo what you have cut down to doesn't look healthy to me.  Maybe you can snag an end of summer deal on a replacement.

That's generally been my experience too. Not a good thing at all when it happens in summer.

[Allen]

See if anything pushes from the center over the next week if not probably dead like other said.  

[SeanK]

On 7/17/2025 at 9:12 PM, MIKE82397 said:

I think it might be a goner. I made 4 different cuts trying to get below the  "mush" . The center is now solid but still a little soft around perimeter. Just didnt want to cut any more. Doused it with h202 and it was working overtime. Will try to keep dry and give it a couple weeks to see if it's gonna make it. Thanks yall

What is that bluish stuff on the trunk in the third photo?

[Las Palmas Norte]

I used to get the odd call from people asking about troubled palms like that. I'd visit and see other healthy palms along with a single palm in serious decline. All treated the same, growing in exactly the same environment. I had the same issues with Windmills over the decades and most of the time these where an enigma. No reasonable explanation could be determined for the sudden decline and death during the summer growing season. Thankfully this type of problem isn't frequent.

[WSimpson]

I showed you my Sabal palmetto in a previous picture , that was coming back nicely . I cut it in  May , a couple months ago ,  and it's growing well  thankfully . That palm looked funny to me all last summer  ( in  the summer of 2024 with whitish new growth from the spear area , and other issues  ) and I didn't do anything about it at the time  . I would recommend to immediately deal with palms that don't look healthy , especially in the  spear/bud  area  . Finally  , I gave that palmetto's spear a pull and bingo it popped right out . 

I think my Palmetto was damaged in a quick to 6F drop on Christmas  morning of 2023 ( that's a long time to be sickly )  . It wasn't looking right that entire next summer , but in the future I will be aware to catch the problem earlier . I could've trunk cut it  the spring before last  in 2024 , and now it would look great . I'm lucky the rot didn't get deeper and kill the bud ; it had an entire year to kill it but luckily I eventually found the issue and dealt with it in time . 

I think that if you see some growth soon you'll be OK . Keep the rot out and try to get to solid bud tissue . Use that peroxide . 

Plants will tell you when they are not happy . 

[MIKE82397]

On 7/19/2025 at 9:41 AM, SeanK said:

What is that bluish stuff on the trunk in the third photo?

This was the 1st year it flowered. It had two stalks that opened up fine but they just never looked quite right. I was trying to tell if it was male or female but it’s like they never fully developed the flowers. Hard to describe. This one in the picture never opened up at all. I guess that should have been my 1st sign that something wasn’t right. 

[MIKE82397]

[MIKE82397]

On 7/19/2025 at 12:56 PM, WSimpson said:

Plants will tell you when they are not happy .

Glad to hear your palmetto is pulling thru.  I’m starting to recognize some stress but I’m still trying to figure out the causes in some cases. Trial and error I suppose. 
Hopefully the newly planted minors brazorias Louisianas and tamalepis will like our hot summers. Just hard to beat the growth of the windmills

[Allen]

No pushing yet I suppose?  If not very bad for sure.