Diseases of Palm Trees: Some New Some Old

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Jim Downer
University of California Cooperative Extension

Palm trees are increasing in popularity in Southern California landscapes. New construction and renovation of existing landscapes have increased the demand for several varieties of palms. Whether we like them or not palms are here to stay and their presence in the landscape can be quite formidable. The Canary island date palm can attain massive proportions; mature trees weighing several tons are not uncommon. Since many customers require “instant” landscapes, specimens of Canary Island date palm are often transplanted as mature trees into the landscape. Because some of these palms are so large the cost of their initial installation and maintenance can be quite high. Losses are expensive. Landscape managers, arborists and consultants are paying closer attention to palm diseases and problems because there is so much money involved with them. A single Canary Island date palm can represent a five to twenty thousand dollar investment.

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