Okay, new palm owner here. I have been caring for some costly transplanted palm trees for about 8 weeks now. If you are like me, then you know these can be hard to take care of!!! I have learned a few things (the hard way) which may be helpful. I realize there are real palm experts, or those with much more experience than me out there, but I wanted to share.
I kept my sprinkler schedule the same after my palms were planted as before.
My mistake number one: Over watering.
In my case, symptoms of too much water were brown spots forming on the fronds. This is actually a sign of disease that is enabled by over watering. If you don't reduce the water, the spots will spread and the whole stalk will become necrotic and die. Also, over watered brown fronds feel soggy, or limp, to the touch.
So I cut back on the water.
My mistake number two: Not enough water.
In retrospect, this was evident by the TIPS of the fronds turning brown, whereas over watering damage seems to start in the MIDDLE of the fronds. The tips turn brown, then the brown travels down the stalk to the trunk. Not good. Also, under watered brown fronds feel crispy, and will crunch when you crumble them, or step on them.
One more - palms are actually in the grass family. If your grass is withered, its likely your palms are thirsty.
Another thing - the moisture meter I linked to above seems to be a hindrance, not a help. You can simply look at a palm and know if it is over watered (brown, soggy fronds) or under watered (crispy, brown-tipped fronds).
I do so like their look, and I am continuing to learn. With luck, my palms will thrive. So far, though, its been a bit of a struggle.
