Will Brown Sago Palms Recover After a Hard Winter?

Three-year-old sago palms (Cycas revoluta) in South Carolina turned brown after winter. The owner, recently widowed, hopes to restore the yard her husband loved. Sagos tolerate temperatures down to 23°F (–5°C), but cold winds combined with morning sun on frozen, wet foliage cause severe leaf burn.

What to Do Now

• Wait for spring growth to emerge from the crown before assessing viability.
• Do not remove brown fronds until new growth appears—they still insulate the crown.
• Protect from north winds and early morning sun exposure in future winters.
• Apply a balanced palm fertilizer once active growth resumes.

If the crown survived, new fronds will flush in spring. Patience is key.

— Jonathan, Ecologica Gardens