Leaning Queen Palms: Understanding Exposed Roots and Stability

Exposed Roots Are Normal, Not a Crisis

A 20-foot queen palm with surface roots and a slight lean is common. The trunk base curls up, exposing roots. It takes a Category 4–5 hurricane to topple a palm this size.

What Not to Do

• Don't stake—it won't correct the lean.
• Don't try to rebury roots.
• Don't dig and reset—extremely expensive, unnecessary.

Real Risk

Only if the lean worsens rapidly or the root plate lifts should removal be considered. Most leaners stabilize and live decades. Health is unaffected.