Palm Tree Care Guide: Keep Your Palms Healthy Year-Round in Palm Beach County 2026
By the Tree Maid Team | Serving Palm Beach County since 2010 | 5-Star Rated | Fully Insured
It was July 2025, and we got a call from Ellen in Palm Beach County about her Queen palms. The fronds were looking scraggly, some had brown tips, and she wasn’t sure when they’d last been properly trimmed.
Our crew arrived on time, assessed the palms, and got to work. Two hours later, her Queens looked like they belonged in a resort. Ellen left us a Google review: “Very good job trimming my queen palms. Arrived promptly, and the crew was very courteous. We would definitely recommend them to anyone who needs reasonably priced, well-done tree trimming.”
That’s what proper palm care looks like—healthy fronds, clean cuts, and a property owner who’s confident their trees will thrive. But here’s what most Palm Beach County residents don’t realize: palm trees aren’t just “set it and forget it” landscaping. They need specific care at specific times, or they decline fast.
Over 15 years serving Lake Worth Beach, Delray, Boynton, Wellington, and West Palm, we’ve seen every palm problem imaginable. Nutrient deficiencies that turn fronds yellow. Lethal diseases that kill Coconut palms in months. Storm damage that could’ve been prevented with one trimming. Watering mistakes that rot roots.
The good news? Most palm problems are preventable when you know what to look for and when to act. This guide covers everything we’ve learned from thousands of palm care jobs across Palm Beach County: when to trim (and when NOT to), how to spot diseases early, which fertilizers actually work in our sandy soil, hurricane prep that protects your investment, and when DIY isn’t worth the risk. Whether you’ve got a single Sabal palm or a property full of Royals, Queens, and Coconuts, here’s what keeps palms healthy in South Florida’s challenging climate.
Tree Removal • Palm Trimming • Tree Cutting • Palm Tree & Stump Removal
5-STAR REVIEWS •FULLY INSURED •100% SATISFACTION PROMISE
Palm Tree Care: Where To Start?
Quick situation checks:
- Your Queen palm fronds are turning yellow → Jump to Nutrient Deficiencies
- Hurricane season is coming → See Hurricane Preparation
- Coconuts dropping early → Read Disease Warning Signs
- Not sure when to trim → Check Seasonal Trimming Guide
- Palms look unhealthy, but you’re not sure why → Start with Common Problems
We’ve organized this by the actual questions Palm Beach County property owners ask us most. Pick what applies to your situation, or read straight through for complete palm care knowledge.
How Do You Properly Trim Palm Trees to Maintain Health and Safety?
To properly trim palm trees and maintain their health and safety, it is essential to remove dead or dying fronds. This not only improves the tree’s appearance but also reduces the risk of disease and pest infestations. It is advisable to consult with certified arborists who can assess the specific needs of the palm tree species and utilize advanced techniques for trimming. Regular trimming helps promote healthy growth and ensures the safety of surrounding areas by preventing falling fronds.
When Is the Best Time to Trim Palm Trees in South Florida?
The best time to trim palm trees in South Florida is during the late winter to early spring months. This timing allows the tree to recover quickly as it enters its growing season. Trimming during this period minimizes stress on the tree and reduces the risk of disease. Additionally, avoiding trimming during hurricane season is crucial, as it can leave trees vulnerable to storm damage.
What Are Safe Palm Frond Removal Techniques to Avoid Over-Pruning?
Safe palm frond removal techniques include selectively removing only the fronds that are brown or dead, while leaving healthy green fronds intact. Over-pruning can stress the tree and lead to health issues. It is important to use sharp, clean tools to make precise cuts and avoid damaging the trunk. Consulting with professionals can ensure that the trimming is done correctly and safely.
How Can You Identify and Manage Common Palm Tree Diseases in Florida?
Identifying and managing common palm tree diseases is crucial for maintaining the health of your palms. Florida’s climate can foster various diseases that affect palm trees, making it essential for homeowners to be vigilant.
What Are the Symptoms and Causes of Lethal Bronzing and Fusarium Wilt?
Lethal Bronzing is characterized by the progressive yellowing and bronzing of fronds, followed by the death of the tree. Fusarium Wilt presents symptoms including wilting, yellowing, and browning of leaves, often starting on one side of the palm. Both diseases are caused by specific pathogens: Lethal Bronzing by a phytoplasma and Fusarium Wilt by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. palmarum. These pathogens can be spread through contaminated tools, insect vectors (in the case of Lethal Bronzing), or soil. Early detection is key to managing these diseases effectively.
Research highlights the importance of early detection for phytoplasma-related diseases like Lethal Yellowing, which shares similarities with Lethal Bronzing.
How Do You Prevent and Treat Palm Tree Diseases and Pests?
Preventing palm tree diseases involves maintaining proper care practices, such as regular watering, fertilization, and monitoring for pests. Treatment may include the application of approved fungicides or insecticides, depending on the specific disease or pest. For Lethal Bronzing, treatment options are limited, but insecticide applications can help control the insect vectors. Consulting with a professional arborist can provide tailored solutions for effective management.
What Is the Optimal Fertilization and Watering Schedule for Palm Trees in Palm Beach County?
Fertilization and watering are critical components of palm tree care. Understanding the specific needs of your palm species can help ensure optimal growth and health.
Which Nutrients Are Essential for Healthy Palm Growth?
Essential nutrients for healthy palm growth include nitrogen, potassium, magnesium, and manganese. These nutrients support overall health, promote growth, and enhance the tree’s ability to withstand stress. Regular soil testing can help determine nutrient deficiencies and guide fertilization practices.
How Often Should You Fertilize and Water Established and Young Palms?
Established palms typically require fertilization every 8-12 weeks during the growing season, while young palms may need more frequent applications. Watering should be done deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. This approach encourages deep root growth and helps prevent overwatering.
How Do You Prepare Palm Trees for Hurricane Season and Recover After Storms?
Preparing palm trees for hurricane season is essential to minimize damage and ensure their survival during storms. Proper care before and after storms can significantly impact the health of your palms.
What Are the Best Practices for Pre-Storm Palm Tree Trimming and Securing?
Best practices for pre-storm palm tree trimming include removing dead fronds and securing loose branches. This preparation helps reduce wind resistance and the risk of damage during storms. Additionally, ensuring that the tree is healthy and well-watered before a storm can improve its resilience.
How Should You Assess and Care for Palms Post-Hurricane?
Post-hurricane care involves assessing the damage to the tree and removing any broken or damaged fronds. It is important to monitor the tree for signs of stress or disease following a storm. Providing adequate water and nutrients can help the tree recover more quickly.
When Should You Call Tree Maid for Professional Palm Tree Care Services?
You should call Tree Maid for professional palm tree care services when you need palm tree trimming, tree health assessments, or if you’re preparing for storms and hurricanes. They also offer expert tree removal services and site cleanup after tree services.
What Complex Palm Care Issues Require Expert Arborist Intervention?
Complex palm care issues that require expert intervention include severe disease infestations, structural problems, or extensive damage from storms. Professional tree experts and seasoned arborists can provide the necessary expertise to diagnose and treat these issues effectively.
What Services Does Tree Maid Offer for Palm Tree Maintenance and Health Assessments?
Tree Maid offers the following services for palm tree maintenance and health assessments:
- Tree Health Assessment – Evaluating the health of palm trees.
- Palm Tree Trimming – Trimming palm trees to promote growth and aesthetics.
- Disease Management – Identifying and treating common palm diseases.
Tree Removal • Palm Trimming • Tree Cutting • Palm Tree & Stump Removal
5-STAR REVIEWS •FULLY INSURED •100% SATISFACTION PROMISE
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