Over-pruning, specifically when it comes to Areca palms, could be the culprit.

Many people believe that all the new growth on Areca palms should be trimmed away. Unfortunately, all these open cuts make Arecas an easy target for many palm diseases like the deadly Ganoderma butt rot pictured here.

Ganoderma is so contagious that it can easily be transferred to other palms through landscaping tools like pruning shears and, once a diseased palm is removed, you should wait at least 4 years before planting another palm in its place because the disease could be still present in the soil.

If you see the telltale conk of Ganoderma butt rot or you suspect that any of your palms have become infected with Ganoderma or any other disease, call Sarasota Arborist at 941-923-5051 before the problem spreads to healthy palms in your property.