Diagnosing Trunk Rot on Cold-Hardy Palms: When to Call Extension Services

Spongy Wet Spot on Palm Trunk in Albuquerque

Without knowing the palm species, diagnosis is guesswork. Queen palms are prone to Ganoderma butt rot (conk at base, internal decay). Other palms have different diseases.

Action Plan

1. Identify the palm (photos to a local nursery or extension).
2. Contact your County Cooperative Extension Service—they can send a sample to a plant pathology lab.
3. Do not apply random fungicides; treatment depends on the specific pathogen.

Professional diagnosis is essential for a valuable landscape palm.