Question
QUESTION: we planted 3 royal palm and two foxtail palm trees last saturday. leaves are turning very dark and falling. we water 5 minutes twice a day. Could you please advise what to do.
Thank you

ANSWER: Hi David, this is a common occurrence, it could just be transplant shock, but at this stage you have to assume it isn't and revisit your planting techniques; did you plant the palms at the same level they were in the container they came in? or even a little higher (exposing a couple of inches of roots)? did you plant them in a well drainer soil base? (its important that water doesn't collect at the root ball) and last, that you built a "berm" around the root ball, to ensure the water gets directly to the roots and doesn't drain off around the rootball. If you did this all, then the problem is most assuredly transplant shock and they palms should turn the corner for you and the new emerging fronds will be healthy; don't be overly concerned about the existing ones that are browning out on you, watch that center spike, it will be the determining factor, and it may be awhile before it unravels. regards Nick

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QUESTION: Hi Nick,
Thank you so much for the information. It really helps. The soil is more like fine sand and I think it is well drainer. out of 5 one tree is browning more not around the spike though. I did make the berm around the root ball. I just fill the berm twice a day. Is it enough watering? Thank you

Answer
Fill the berm once in late morning, that will suffice, and again make sure it is draining off in a moderate amount of time, and not sitting there on top, or you might rot the roots, also make sure you can see the flare, (where the roots meet the trunk), so you know its not placed to deep. Nick