Exposed Queen Palm Roots and Leaning Trunks: Natural Phenomenon or Hazard?

Surface Roots and Lean Are Normal

An 8-year-old, 25-foot queen palm in Modesto, CA with roots surfacing and a new lean is exhibiting typical behavior. The trunk tissue curls, exposing roots; soil erosion also contributes.

No Fix Needed

• Do not rebury roots.
• Do not stake or straighten.
• Do not dig and reset—prohibitively expensive.

Health Unaffected

The palm is healthy and growing. The lean is stable; it would take a major hurricane to topple it. This is a cosmetic "phenomenon," not a health issue.