Assessing Foxtail Palm Survival After New Orleans Freeze: The Waiting Game

All Brown Fronds, Unknown Fate

Foxtail palms in New Orleans after a freeze: all green turned brown. Do not cut yet. The verdict takes months.

What to Watch

• Center spear: if it doesn't emerge or open in a month, likely dead.
• Crown: if it turns mushy, dead.
• People often remove too early; wait.

Spring Will Tell

Many revive; others decline slowly. Patience is the only tool. Watch the spear.