New Foxtail Palms Losing Fronds: Nursery Guarantee Needed

Post-Planting Decline

4 triple 14-ft foxtails planted mid-June. Within weeks, existing fronds bent/broke 1 ft from trunk—23 fronds lost on 2 trees, 4 on others. New growth emerging. Nursery calls it "normal." Owner fears cold damage from last winter.

Expert Take

• Cold stress syndrome: new fronds break at weakened petiole, but existing fronds shouldn't snap in this volume.
• Transplant stress causes some decline, but new fronds should be full and healthy.
• Demand a 6-month guarantee from nursery. Replace if new growth is stunted.

Key Indicator

Watch the newly emerging fronds. They must be full-length and vibrant. If not, get the nursery back out.