Palm trees have a way of transforming any landscape into a tropical paradise. However, if you’re not careful, you may neglect to give your trees the attention they need to survive and thrive.
Recently, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry, issued a release concerning the Texas Phoenix palm decline (TPPD), also referred to as lethal bronzing.
If this disease makes its way to your palm trees, it’s likely that they’ll eventually die and need replacing.
Beware of the Primary Symptom
The first symptom of a palm tree affected by lethal bronzing is a discoloration of the lower leaves of the tree. Discoloration begins at the tips, but soon begins to take over the entire tree.
Tip: homeowners often find it difficult to diagnose lethal bronzing as it shares symptoms with a variety of nutritional problems and fungal diseases.
The Transmission of Lethal Bronzing
It’s believed that lethal bronzing is transmitted by an insect vector, most likely a planthopper. These three species are often found on or in close proximity to palms affected by the disease:
- Flatid Planthopper
- Cixiid Planthopper
- Derbid Planthopper
What Can You Do About It?
Lethal bronzing is like it says in the name, lethal, once your tree falls prey to this disease there is no chance of saving it. If you suspect lethal bronzing, it is already too late, lethal bronzing can spread from one tree to the next, thus wiping out all the palms on your property.
One thing you can do is acquire knowledge about lethal bronzing to prevent it from happening to your palms.
At Coastal Lawn & Pest, we have many years of experience and knowledge about palm tree diseases. Contact us to learn more about lethal bronzing and other diseases that could affect your lawn. We can visit your property, inspect your palm trees, and let you know exactly what’s going on.
