Thread: Palm tree has become wobbly at base of trunk
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Old 17-04-2018, 10:09 PM posted to uk.rec.gardening
Jeff Layman[_2_] Jeff Layman[_2_] is offline
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First recorded activity by GardenBanter: Sep 2008
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Default Palm tree has become wobbly at base of trunk
On 17/04/18 18:44, wrote:
I have a palm three that's about 6ft tall. A few days ago, I noticed it was leaning slightly. On inspection, I found that it now wobbles at its base of its trunk. I'm not sure how this happened. We've had some freezing temps this year - and some strong winds, but not stronger than previous years. The tree was planted about 10 years ago.

Is the tree doomed, or is there a way to restore its stability?

Many thanks...

Are you in the UK? If so, where?

There is only one palm which is more-or-less hardy in the UK, and that
is the Chusan palm - Trachycarpus fortunei. It is unlikely that recent
cold weather would damage it, and at only 6 ft tall, very unlikely that
wind would move it.

Is it by any chance a cordyline (often referred to as "Cabbage Palms")?
The usual one growing in the UK is Cordyline australis, and that is not
as hardy as a Chusan palm, but under most circumstances is hardy enough
anywhere south of the north of England or anywhere on the west coast.

But is there any possibility that it got its roots soaked for some time
in the recent heavy rain? If so, they could have rotted and it is now
not stable. I suppose that /could/ happen to a Chusan palm too, but I
have never heard of it.

If the roots of a cordyline have rotted, it is possible to cut it off
above the rotten part, and reroot the upper section. It will take some
time to root, but it can be done.

--

Jeff
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