Is My Mexican Fan Palm Dead After Hurricane Flooding?

The Spear Test

After 6 feet of saltwater inundation from Hurricane Ike, a 10-year-old Mexican fan palm (Washingtonia robusta) with no green fronds may still be alive. The definitive indicator is the central spear—the newest unopened frond at the crown's center.

How to Check

• Gently pull the spear. If it slides out and is brown/rotted at the base, the palm is dead.
• If the spear is firm and green inside, the palm may recover.

Waiting Game

Do not prune yet. Keep the root zone moist (not soggy). Recovery can take months. If the spear eventually unfurls green, the palm lives. If it turns brown and no new spear appears, remove the tree.